Female effigy figure -  see credits Hindu gods - see credits Jewish temple lamp - see credits Petroglyph - see credits Page from Koran - see credits The Buddha Mali mask (Africa) - see credits
Department of Religious Studies Department of Religious Studies
University of Missouri-Columbia email: rsinfo@missouri.edu Department of Religious Studies

 

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class changeReligious Studies

  • focuses on forms of religious life and religious expression,
  • raises basic issues about human experience, and
  • challenges the student's ability to understand and interpret texts and practices.

The subject matter of religious studies provides information relevant to understanding the development of human cultures and the causes, meaning and implications of current events. Knowledge and appreciation of the human adventure require familiarity with the religious dimension of human existence as evidenced in various cultural traditions and in contemporary experience.

Many disciplines are illuminated by the study of religion and can, in turn, be brought to bear on the understanding of religious cultures:

  • anthropology
  • art and archaeology
  • architecture
  • classics
  • drama
  • history
  • literature
  • music
  • philosophy
  • political science
  • psychology
  • sociology
  • the history of science

Majoring in religious studies, or taking religious studies courses, not only provides valuable appreciation for careers in business, counseling, education, government, journalism, law, ministry, medicine, and social work, but also contributes to individual and social enrichment through expanding an appreciative awareness of one's own religious tradition and those of others.

For more information about the Religious Studies Department or Program please contact us:

Department of Religious Studies
University of Missouri-Columbia
221 Arts and Science Building
Columbia, MO 65211-7090
phone: 573-882-4769
fax: 573-882-4495
email: rsinfo@missouri.edu

Japanese god - see credits Hopi Kachina - see credits Jesus - see credits Worship circle - see credits Celtic knot - see credits Worship service - see credits Otomi god (Mexico) - see credits Chinese incense burner- see credits
  Department of Religious Studies
College of Arts and Science
University of Missouri-Columbia
221 Arts and Science Building
Columbia, MO 65211-7090
email: rsinfo@missouri.edu
phone: 573-882-4769
fax: 573-882-4495

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last update: fall 2008

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