Program Overview

Introduction to the Department of Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies at Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences offers a comprehensive program for undergraduate and graduate students. The department provides a wide range of courses and concentrations that allow students to explore various aspects of religion and its relationship to other fields of study.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in Religious Studies offers a major and minor in Religious Studies, as well as a minor in Catholic Studies. The major in Religious Studies requires students to take a set of core courses, including Introduction to the Study of Religion and Theories of Religion. Students can also choose from a variety of interdisciplinary concentrations, such as Religion, Health and Medicine, Religion, Law and Politics, and Global Study of Religion.

Interdisciplinary Concentrations

The department offers several interdisciplinary concentrations that allow students to explore the relationship between religion and other fields of study. These concentrations include:

• Religion, Health and Medicine: This concentration is designed for students with research and professional interests in medicine and health. It complements undergraduate study in the Global Health program and courses in medical anthropology.
• Religion, Law and Politics: This concentration explores the relationship between religion and law, politics, and social justice.
• Religion, Sexuality and Gender: This concentration examines the intersection of religion, sexuality, and gender.
• Global Study of Religion: This concentration provides a comprehensive study of religion in a global context.
• Media, Technology, Journalism and Religion: This concentration explores the relationship between religion and media, technology, and journalism.

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.) 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 Global Health Studies Program for a total of 12 credits.

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Religious Studies offers a comprehensive education in the study of religion. The program provides a wide range of courses and study areas that allow students to explore various aspects of religion and its relationship to other fields of study.

Study Areas

The department offers several study areas that allow students to explore the relationship between religion and other fields of study. These study areas include:

• American Religions
• Buddhist Studies
• Classical Judaism
• Hinduism
• Islam
• Latin American Religions
• Religion, Law, and Politics

Requirements

The graduate program in Religious Studies requires students to take a set of core courses and to complete a qualifying exam. Students can also choose from a variety of study areas and courses that allow them to explore various aspects of religion and its relationship to other fields of study.

Research and Resources

The department provides a wide range of research and resources that support student learning and faculty research. These resources include:

• Faculty Research Areas
• Religious Studies Resources

People

The department is home to a diverse and accomplished faculty, as well as a vibrant community of graduate students and visiting scholars. The faculty includes:

• Tenure Track Departmental Faculty
• Affiliated Faculty
• Instructional Faculty
• Visiting Faculty
• Emeritus Faculty
• Alumni

Conclusion

The Department of Religious Studies at Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences offers a comprehensive program for undergraduate and graduate students. The department provides a wide range of courses and concentrations that allow students to explore various aspects of religion and its relationship to other fields of study. With its diverse and accomplished faculty, as well as its wide range of research and resources, the department is an ideal place for students to pursue their academic and professional goals.