Program Summary
Religious studies is an academic field that explores religious beliefs, practices, and institutions from a broad, interdisciplinary perspective. It examines various religious traditions, including their historical development, sacred texts, rituals, ethical teachings, and cultural influences. The course encourages critical thinking and comparative analysis, helping students understand the role of religion in shaping societies and individual identities. It integrates perspectives from history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology to analyze religious phenomena objectively rather than from a faith-based standpoint. Students engage with themes such as myth, symbolism, morality, and the intersection of religion with politics, science, and globalization. The study of religion fosters awareness of diverse worldviews and promotes dialogue about contemporary religious issues, interfaith relations, and secularism. Through readings, discussions, and research, students gain analytical and interpretive skills that are valuable in various careers, including education, law, international relations, and social work.