Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Religious Studies

Program Overview

The study of religion at Case Western Reserve University is multicultural, nonsectarian and interdisciplinary. By drawing on such disciplines as anthropology, history, philosophy, psychology, and textual studies, it helps us understand the character and role of religion and religions in human life. In addition, students have the opportunity to explore various important religious traditions—Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, for example—in greater depth.

A major in religious studies provides a well-rounded liberal arts education or can be combined conveniently with a second major. The academic study of religion provides an excellent background for a variety of professional careers—including law, engineering, medicine and health care delivery, journalism, and social work—and for graduate studies in a number of fields. The Department of Religious Studies also contributes courses to and supports a number of the college’s interdisciplinary programs, such as Asian Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Environmental Studies; Jewish Studies; and International Studies.

The major program in religious studies is designed around three main learning objectives: (a) to provide a solid grounding in the theories, methods, and critical questions of academic religious studies; (b) to ensure a depth and breadth of understanding in a diverse range of religious traditions; and (c) to enable students to pursue a particular focus at an advanced level. 

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate basic religious literacy in a diversity of traditions, including at least one from each of the following two groups: (1) African and Africana religions; Buddhism; Chinese religions; Hinduism; and Jainism; and (2) Christianity; Islam; and Judaism.
• Students will be able to demonstrate essential knowledge of foundational theories and methods in the academic study of religion.
• Students will be able to research and critically engage a central contemporary issue or debate in academic religious studies in written form.
• Students will be able to identify a significant research problem in religious studies and develop a research plan to address it.
• Students will be able to apply a theoretical framework and methodology to a particular research problem or question in the academic study of religion.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Students seeking to complete this major and degree program must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements. Students completing this program as a secondary major while completing another undergraduate degree program do not need to satisfy the school-specific requirements associated with this major.

Students majoring in religious studies must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. The program is designed with three main learning objectives in mind: (a) to provide a solid grounding in the theories, methods, and critical questions of academic religious studies; (b) to ensure a depth and breadth of understanding in a diverse range of religious traditions; and (c) to enable students to pursue a particular focus at an advanced level. The requirements for the major are as follows:

a

Up to 6 elective credit hours may be taken outside the Department of Religious Studies, provided that the courses relate to the overall character of the major. At least three of the electives must be at the 300-level and require advisor approval.