Lower-Division Courses

The study of religion offers students an opportunity to inform themselves about the major religious traditions of the world and to think critically and constructively about religion as a dimension of human experience and a mode of human expression. The curriculum includes courses on major religious traditions, significant issues in religion, and methods of studying religion.

There is no major in religion but an emphasis in religion is available through the general studies program and a minor in religion is also possible.

Students contemplating an emphasis or minor in religion should discuss their academic program with a member of the department. A Bachelor of Arts degree field major provides an additional option.


Minor. A minor in religion requires a minimum of 15 hours. A maximum of 6 may be taken at the 100 level.

Rel 110 Old Testament(3)
General education introductory course. An introduction to the literature, history, and religion of the Old Testament.

Rel 115 New Testament(3)
General education introductory course. An introduction to the literature, history, and religion of the New Testament.

Rel 150 Workshop in Religion (2-4)

Rel 280 Special Studies (3)
A concentrated examination of a significant figure, event, or issue in religion of the study thereof. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: departmental option.

Upper-Division Courses

Rel 311 Old Testament Topics (3)
An in-depth study of a major facet of the religion of the Hebrew Bible, such as prophecy, law, covenant, historiography, and wisdom, or a genre of biblical literature, such as poetry or narrative.

For example:

  • REL311C The Bible and the Ancient Near East
  • REL311F Violence and the Bible
  • REL311G Archaeology and the Bible

Rel 321 New Testament Topics (3)
An in-depth study of a major facet of the religion of the New Testament such as the synoptic traditions, Johannine theology, Pauline theology, apocalyptic, and canonization.

Rel 327 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
Cross-listed as ANTHR 327.
An examination of various concepts concerning the realm of the supernatural as held by various peoples around the world. Relates such religious beliefs and the resultant practices to the larger patterns of cultural beliefs and behaviors.

Rel 339 Religion in America (3)
Cross-listed as HIST 339
Surveys various religious traditions in American history from colonial times to the present. Discusses how religions groups. beliefs, and issues have changed over time and how they interact with each other. Includes the different branches of Christianity and Judaism; the study of awakenings and revivals; the stories of prominent religious thinkers and leaders; immigrant religious traditions; the tensions between liberal and traditional religious forms; the prophetic and apocalyptic traditions in America; and the impact of Native America, Asian, and African beliefs and practices on the religious landscape.

Rel 346 Philosophy of Religion (3)
Cross-listed as Phil 346

Rel 370 Women in World Religions (3)

Cross-listed as Woms 370

Rel 380 Special Studies (3)
A concentrated intermediate study of a particular component of religious studies. Repeatable for credit.

For example:

  • Rel 380 Prophets in Ancient Israel

Rel 420 Women and the Bible (3)
A concentrated study of Biblical texts focused on women characters and women's perspectives in biblical narrative and poetry.

Rel 476 The Reformation (3)
Cross-listed as HIST 576

Rel 480 Special Studies (3)
A concentrated study of a religious issue or text announced by the instructor when course is scheduled. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite; instructor's consent.

Rel 490 Independent Work (1-3)
Designed for the student capable of doing advanced independent work in a specialized area of the study of religion that is not formally offered by the department. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite:departmental consent.

Courses for Graduate/Undergraduate Credit

Rel 780 Topics in Religion (3)
A concentrated study of a religious issue or text announced by the instructor whoen course is scheduled at the graduate level. Prerequisite; Instructor's consent.

Rel 790 Independent Study (1-3)
For the student who is capable of doing graduate work in a specialized area of the study of religion not formally offered by the department. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: departmental consent.