Academic Bulletin

College of Arts & Sciences - Undergraduate

RELIGIOUS STUDIES - Dept. Code: REL
www.as.miami.edu/religion

Educational Objectives | Degree Programs | Major | Minor | Departmental Honors

INTRODUCTION

The University regards the academic study of religion as an integral part of liberal, humane learning and seeks to assist students in understanding the role religion plays in human existence and culture. Instruction in the Department of Religious Studies is non-sectarian and seeks an open analysis of all points of view. Courses are designed to provide a general orientation to the academic study of religion for the undergraduate student, as well as more advanced exposure for those who wish to pursue professional careers where a study of religious ideas and institutions would be helpful, such as in psychology, sociology, history, journalism, teaching, law, medicine, the fine arts, religious education, the ministry, and the rabbinate.

The Department sponsors a Religious Studies Colloquium. It has enriched the existing curriculum by bringing to the campus such outstanding scholars as Elizabeth Kuebler-Ross, Joachim Jeremias, Alvin Plantinga, Harry M. Orlinsky, Anson Rainey, Abraham J. Malherbe, Alan Segal, William May, Robert Segal, Douglas Allen, Marvin Sweeney, Martin Hengel, Martin E. Marty, and Juergen Moltmann.

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EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The general educational objectives of the Department are (1) To explore texts, histories, and ways in which humans from various cultures have understood their world.  Such exploration includes the beliefs, ethics, rituals, artifacts, and organizations of religions. (2) To understand the changing relationship between religion and elements of the wider culture.  Such understanding includes the dynamics of politics, art, economics, literature, and society and their relationship to religions. (3) To become familiar with the theories and methods used in the study of religion.

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DEGREE PROGRAMS

For students entering the University in or after Fall 2008, a major in Religious Studies leading toward the B.A. degree requires 30 credits in Religious Studies, passed with a grade of C- or higher, and a GPA in the major of 2.0. At least 15 credits must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above. Six credits must be taken in each of the three following subject areas: 1) Religious Texts; 2) Historical Traditions; 3) Contemporary Issues. A major must earn writing credit (W) in at least one course in the department and must take the majors/minors seminar, REL 499.

Transfer students who major in Religious Studies must complete at least 15 credits in departmental courses numbered 300 or above in residence at the Coral Gables Campus

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MINOR

For students entering the University in or after Fall 2008, an undergraduate minor requires 15 credits, passed with a grade of C- or higher, and a GPA in the minor of 2.0. At least six credits must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above, and at least three credits must be taken in each of two of the three subject areas: 1) Religious Texts; 2) Historical Traditions; 3) Contemporary Issues. Religious Studies 101 is required of all minors. Religious Studies minors are encouraged to take the majors/minors seminar, REL 499, but are not so required.

Transfers who minor in Religious Studies must complete at least 6 credits in the departmental courses numbered 300 or above in residence at the Coral Gables campus.

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DEPARTMENTAL HONORS

Majors, minors, and other students who meet certain academic criteria are eligible for membership in Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology. Theta Alpha Kappa sponsors events that enhance the academic and social life of the department.

The Department of Religious Studies is also the home for the Society for the Study of Religions and Cultures (SSRC). This is a student group whose mission is to increase students' knowledge and understanding of the world's religions and the cultures in which they exist. The society's events cover issues beyond what students learn in the classroom. Among other activities, field trips to different religious centers in the area provide first-hand experience with various religions and cultures. SSRC is open to all students.

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