Program Overview

Undergraduate Program in Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies at Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences offers a comprehensive undergraduate program that explores the many ways religious traditions have shaped and continue to shape intricate notions of gender and sexuality in the United States and throughout the world.

Concentration in Religion, Sexuality, and Gender

In this concentration, students can explore the many ways that religious traditions have shaped and continue to shape intricate notions of gender and sexuality in the United States and throughout the world. Coursework in this area exposes students to a variety of scholarly approaches, including courses in women's religious history, the history of gender and religious practices, cultural study of religion and masculinities, textual studies on religion, the body, and sexuality, and both ethical and theological approaches to theories of gender, feminism, and identity.

Requirements

All Religious Studies majors take the following core courses:

1. Religion 170: Introduction to the Study of Religion; or Religion 172: Introduction to Religion, Media, and Culture
2. Religion 395: Theories of Religion (Offered every year, so check with the DUS and/or our course schedule page, and plan ahead.)
   • A capstone course designed for Religious Studies majors and minors but also welcoming of those with a strong interest in Religious Studies.

Concentrators choose 3 courses from their concentration's list of approved courses as part of their degree credit total. They take 5 additional Religious Studies courses (in consultation with department adviser), and take 2 courses from Northwestern's Gender and Sexuality Studies Program for a total of 12 credits. Students have access to a full updated list each year posted on our departmental web site.

• First-year (100-level) seminars do not count toward degree credit.
• All double counting policies apply.

Program Structure

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of religious studies and its intersection with gender and sexuality.
• Students can choose from a variety of courses that explore different aspects of religion, gender, and sexuality.
• The program prepares students well for graduate study in religion and gender studies.

Interdisciplinary Concentrations

The Department of Religious Studies offers several interdisciplinary concentrations, including:

• Religion, Health and Medicine
• Religion, Law and Politics
• Religion, Sexuality and Gender
• Global Study of Religion
• Media, Technology, Journalism and Religion

Additional Information

• The Department of Religious Studies is committed to providing students with a rigorous and comprehensive education in religious studies.
• The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers, including academia, non-profit work, and public policy.
• Students have access to a range of resources, including faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and career counseling.