Religion in American Life

Year 1: Understanding

The study of religion intersects with many fields using various approaches while providing additional meaning to symbols, practices, and rhetoric that enrich the work of other related disciplines. We offer introductory courses in American Christianities, Judaism, and Islam in America.

Featured Courses:

• RELST 180 – Religion in American Life
• RELST 146 – Islam in America
• RELST 260 – History of American Christianities

Year 2: New Approaches

Many courses are organized as seminar discussions, so a great deal of student contribution is expected. Take Christian Ethics. History of American Christianities, Jewish Meadville, Jewish Ethics, Marriage and Sexuality in Islam or any number of other courses to gain a broader vision of religion.

Featured Courses:

• RELST 200 – Christian Ethics
• RELST 341 – Jewish Ethics
• ENVSC 372 – Judaism, Justice, and Food

Year 3: Delving Deeper

Take contemporary religious courses to learn about the distinctions in culture and values. Related classes include Christian Ethics; Jewish Ethics; Religion and Ecology; Marriage and Sexuality in Islam; and Islam in America.

Featured Courses

• RELST 130 – The New Testament
• BLKST 174 – Black Faith and Thought
• RELST 288 – Jewish Meadville

Year 4: The Comp

The focus of the fourth year is the Senior Comp, where you will investigate and write a personalized thesis. Your thesis will incorporate your unique major and minor combination— in this case, it’s with Religious Studies!

Featured Courses

• RELST 350 – Paul the Apostle
• RELST 360 – Religion and Ecology
• RELST 374 – Black Theology