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<< back The Value of a Degree in Religious Studies What is Religious Studies and what can I do with a degree in Religious Studies? Religious Studies seeks to understand the role of religion in human life and culture. The department's field of study includes religious expression from all cultures and in every period of history. The academic study of religion examines how the beliefs and values of contemporary and historical cultures shape and are shaped by societal factors, long-standing traditions, and distinctive forms of literary and artistic expression. Religion scholars ask not whether certain beliefs are true but what they mean to those who hold them to be true, how they came to have a particular form and content, and what impact they have on their intellectual and social environments. Skill in close reading of texts and critical analysis of concepts and historical relationships are among the benefits of such study, which are helpful for careers and graduate work in many fields. Alumns of the MU Department of Religious Studies have gone on to graduate degree programs at places such as Harvard, Oxford, Duke, Brown, and the University of Chicago. Others have entered professional career tracks in law, business, health, ministry, and education. What kinds of courses does the Religious Studies department offer? The department has eight full-time faculty with research specializations in the History of Christianity; Religions in America; African Religions, American Indian Religions, and Islam; East Asian Religions; South Asian Religions; New Testament and Early Christianity; Religion and Psychology; and Women and Religion. Between them, they offer a wide range of courses in these subject areas. In addition, adjunct and associated faculty in the Religious Studies department, as well as in other departments (such as English, History, Classical Studies, Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology) offer courses that may be taken for Religious Studies credit. Thus there exists a broad spectrum of course offerings that meets a great variety of student interests. What does it take to major in Religious Studies and obtain a B.A. degree? A spirit of intellectual curiosity. A desire to understand our world. A sincere interest in investigating the diverse responses offered by religious traditions in different cultures to the great issues and questions of human existence. Combine these qualities of an open and adventurous mind with good study habits, and you will encounter little difficulty in meeting the degree’s formal requirements:
What are the requirements for a minor in Religious Studies? The same spirit of intellectual adventure as for the major, within the framework of the following formal requirements: 15 hours of Religious Studies classes (all to be passed with at least a C), including at least one class each in the subject areas of Asian Religions, Indigenous Religions, and Western Religions. I’m not sure whether a degree in Religious Studies will work for me. Where can I get further advice and information to help me make my decision? The Religious Studies department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies will try to answer all of your questions. Contact Professor Bob Flanagan at 882-0059 or flanaganj@missouri.edu, or just drop by his office at 221H Arts & Science Building. Also see the information on the department and its offerings at the website. |
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| 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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