DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Academic Programs

Updated: August 31, 2005

The study of religion at Case Western Reserve University is multicultural, non-sectarian, and interdisciplinary. As appropriate, courses are designed to utilize Internet resources, cultural institutions in University Circle, and the cultural diversity of greater Cleveland. A major in Religion provides a well-rounded liberal arts education or can be combined conveniently with a second major. Minors or sequences in Religion complement and broaden any field chosen as a major.

The academic study of religion provides an excellent background for a variety of professional career-including law, engineering, medicine and health care delivery, journalism, and social work -and for graduate studies in a number of fields. The Department of Religion also contributes courses to and supports a number of the College's interdisciplinary programs such as Asian Studies, Women's Studies, Environmental Studies, Judaic studies and International Studies.

Students interested in a Religion major, minor, or sequence should contact Professor Peter Haas, Phone: 368-2741; E-Mail: pjh7@case.edu

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Major

• RLGN 102: Introduction to the Study of Religion (3 hours)
• RLGN 399/499: Majors/Minors Seminar (repeatable for up to 6 hours).
• Three courses in one of the three areas described below (9 hours)
• One course in each of the other two areas (6 hours)
• Electives (6-9 hours) to develop interdisciplinary competency; may be fulfilled by taking courses in other departments relevant to their area of concentration.

For a list of Religion courses by area of concentration, click here: Courses and Areas of Concentration

Area 1: Religious Texts and Traditions

These courses encourage critical reflection on the methods and theories employed to study religious texts and traditions. Interpretive perspectives include those drawn from the academic study of religion and other disciplines in the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Area 2: Religion and Culture

Courses which examine how religious discourses and practices are interwoven into larger webs of culture. Through analysis of a wide range of cultural productions, both ancient and contemporary, from visual culture to popular media, these courses focus on the complex ways in which religion takes form within particular cultural contexts, and conversely, helps to form cultural artifacts.

Area 3: Religion in Society

Courses investigating the various ways that people practice their religious beliefs within their own social groups. Within this area are courses on the tensions between religion and science, on ethics, and on how religious groups affect political, economic, and social issues within local and world communities. Some courses in this area offer opportunities for working with social service and advocacy agencies in the community.

Minor

Students minoring in Religion must complete 15 semester hours of work in the Department.

• RLGN 102: Introduction to the Study of Religion (3 hours)
• RLGN 399/499: Majors/Minors Seminar (at least 3 hours).
• Nine hours of electives chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor. Must demonstrate diversity in the study of religion.

   

Engineering Sequence

Sequences normally include three courses that demonstrate diversity in the study of religion. Approval for sequences must be obtained from the departmental advisor. In selecting courses, attention will be given to religious pluralism and diversity of approaches to the academic study of religion.

Arts and Sciences General Education Requirements (GER)

• History, Philosophy, and Religion -- RLGN 102, 115, 120, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207,  217, 223, 231, 254, 271,300, 301, 303, 306, 309, 314, 332, and 341.
• Global and Cultural Diversity -- RLGN 204, 205, 208, 216, 217, 219, 223, 254, 303, and 314.
• Science and Society -- RLGN 206 and 240.

These courses need not be taken in sequence.

SAGES Global and Cultural Diversity

The following RLGN courses fulfill the SAGES Global and Cultural Diversity requirement:

• RLGN 204, 208, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 223, 233, 234, 254, 280 and 303.

Departmental Honors

Students who are majoring in religion and who have an overall grade point average of 3.5 and also a grade point average of 3.5 in religion courses may apply for the Departmental honors program. Honors candidates enroll for RLGN 395 each semester during their senior year; a year-long honors project must be accepted by a member of the department faculty and the student's application must be approved by the department, upon demonstration of satisfactory progress, not later than the end of the first semester. Departmental honors are awarded upon satisfactory completion, defense, and acceptance of the senior project by a faculty committee, provided that the required grade point averages are maintained.