Program Overview

Program Overview

The Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Religious Studies, with various concentrations and options for double majors.

Religious Studies Major

Program Description

The Religious Studies major is dedicated to the study of religions as historical and cultural phenomena, examining the history, texts, artifacts, beliefs, values, and rituals of various religious traditions. The department is committed to bringing a broad range of perspectives into the study of religion, emphasizing the importance of religious pluralism in teaching the value of diversity.

Requirements for the Major

• Students must complete nine courses in Religious Studies, with six courses completed with a grade of C or better.
• All majors must take RELI 697, the capstone course on themes and methodologies in Religious Studies.
• At least two courses must be numbered above 400.
• Students must take at least one course in each of three departmental subfields:
  • Ancient Mediterranean Religions
  • Islamic Studies/Religions of Asia
  • Medieval and Early Modern/Historical Studies
  • Religion and Culture
  • Religion in the Americas

Religious Studies Major – Jewish Studies Concentration

Program Description

The B.A. in Religious Studies with a Jewish Studies Concentration allows students to focus on the study of Jewish history and culture, making it the centerpiece of their undergraduate experience.

Requirements for the Major (Jewish Studies)

• Core Requirements:
  • JWST 100/RELI 123, Introduction to Jewish Studies
  • JWST 697, Capstone Course: Themes and Methodologies in Jewish Studies
  • One course on the ancient period
  • One course on the medieval or early modern period
  • One course on the period from 1750 to the present
  • At least three courses taught outside the Department of Religious Studies
• Additional Requirements:
  • Students must take two courses at or above the 400 level, exclusive of the capstone seminar (JWST 697)
  • Two courses on Hebrew language (Biblical or Modern)

Religious Studies Double Major

Description

Religious Studies is a field that complements other disciplines, and many students choose to pursue it as their second major. The Department of Religious Studies welcomes second majors, and students often combine Religious Studies with fields such as Anthropology, Biology, Business, Classics, Drama, English, Exercise and Sport Science, History, Political Science, and Psychology.