College of Arts & Sciences
Religious Studies
Major and Degree Offered
- Religious Studies (B.A.)
Minor Offered
- Religious Studies
Certificate Offered
- Buddhist Studies
Special Study Opportunities
In the Department of Religious Studies, students study the religious systems of the world (large and small, past and present) in their socio-historical contexts, and critically examine the phenomenon of religion as it relates to issues of personal meaning and international affairs.
Religious Studies courses are cross-cultural in scope and multi-disciplinary in nature. We study all forms of expression of the religious life--myth, art, meditation, ritual, ideas, festivals, mysticism, etc.--whether the expression be found in individual experience, in world religions like Buddhism and Judaism, or in small-scale societies like the Lakota of North America or the Semai of Malaysia. We do not consider religious beliefs or practices to be right or wrong, but instead seek to understand the ways that religion provides people with meaning in their lives and serves important social functions.
The Religious Studies major is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career paths by developing abilities that are highly sought after in all professions, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, effective oral and written communication, etc. In addition, by studying world religions, students learn information that is highly valuable to the contemporary world such as how to deal with differences in beliefs, cultural practices, and contrasting points of view.
Religious Studies majors develop these abilities through the completion of courses that teach (a) broad knowledge of the history, beliefs, practices, and contemporary dynamics of the world's religious systems, (b) in-depth knowledge of at least two specific religious systems in their socio-historical contexts, (c) comparative knowledge of classical and contemporary theories about the origins and functions of religious beliefs and practices in human life and society, and (d) practical knowledge of the impact religion has on international affairs and personal lives.
Learning Outcomes
The Religious Studies major is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career paths by:
- Developing abilities that are highly sought after in all professions, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, effective oral and written communication, and so forth.
- Learning information that is highly valuable in the contemporary world such as how to deal with differences in beliefs and cultural practices.
- Cultivating strategies for respecting points of view that contrast from one's own.
Upon completion of the program, students should:
- Display broad knowledge of the history, beliefs, practices, and contemporary dynamics of the world's religions.
- Display in-depth knowledge of at least two specific religious systems in their socio-historical contexts.
- Display competence with the knowledge of classical and contemporary theories about the origins and functions of religious beliefs and practices in human life and society.
- Display practical understanding of religion's impact on personal lives and international affairs.
- Display an analytical approach to understanding religious practices and how they influence the world's societies.
Degree Requirements for Majors
- 42 required credit hours in Religious Studies
- 27 general education credit hours
- 59 elective credit hours
The requirements for a major consist of completion of 21 credit hours of required core courses and 21 credit hours of elective courses in Religious Studies.
Core Courses (21 credit hours)
- RELG 1000 Roots of Religion 3 hours
- RELG 2070 Introduction to Religions of the East 3 hours
- RELG 2080 Introduction to Western Religions 3 hours
6 credit hours from:
- RELG 3100 Hinduism 3 hours
- RELG 3120 Buddhism 3 hours
- RELG 3130 Religions of China and Japan 3 hours
- RELG 3180 Judaism 3 hours
- RELG 3190 Christianity 3 hours
- RELG 3200 Islam 3 hours
- RELG 3210 African Religions 3 hours
6 credit hours at the 4000 level.
Elective Courses (21 credit hours)
In addition to the 21 core credit hours, majors also complete 21 credit hours of electives. 12 of the 21 credit hours are taken in one of three emphases: Emphasis in Religious Traditions, Emphasis in Religion in the Arts and Humanities, or Emphasis in Religion and the Social Sciences.
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Emphasis in Religious Traditions
A Religious Studies major with an emphasis in Religious Traditions is designed to encourage students to explore, by contrast and comparison, different religious traditions of the world. Requires 12 hours among the following (*NOTE: Other courses may apply, depending on their content):
- RELG 1060 World Religions 3 hours
- RELG 2070 Introduction to Religions of the East 3 hours
- RELG 2075 Introduction to Buddhism 3 hours
- RELG 2080 Introduction to Western Religions 3 hours
- RELG 2350 Sacred Texts 3 hours
- RELG 2420 Religion and Culture 3 hours
- RELG 3100 Hinduism 3 hours
- RELG 3120 Buddhism 3 hours
- RELG 3130 Religions of China and Japan 3 hours
- RELG 3180 Judaism 3 hours
- RELG 3190 Christianity 3 hours
- RELG 3200 Islam 3 hours
- RELG 3210 African Religions 3
hours
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Emphasis in Religion and the Arts and Humanities
A Religious Studies major with an emphasis in Religion and the Arts and Humanities is designed to encourage students to explore religion as it relates to issues of meaning and values that are addressed by disciplines in the Arts and Humanities like Art, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and so forth. Requires 12 hours among the following (*NOTE: Other courses may apply, depending on their content):
- RELG 1080 Thinking Through Religions 3 hours
- RELG 2050 Religion and Human Values 3 hours
- RELG 2100 Religion and Literature 3 hours
- RELG 2150 Existence and Meaning 3 hours
- RELG 2350 Sacred Texts 3 hours
- RELG 2400 Religion and the Arts 3 hours
- RELG 2430 Environments and Religion 3 hours
- RELG 3050 Topics in Religion and Philosophy 3 hours
- RELG 4040 Belief Systems 3 hours
- RELG 4400 Spiritual Paths and Classics 3 hours
Emphasis in Religion and the Social Sciences
A Religious Studies major with an emphasis in Religion and the Social Sciences is designed to encourage students to explore religion as it relates to complex issues of human behavior, culture, and society that are addressed by disciplines in the Social Sciences like Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, and so forth. Requires 12 hours among the following (*NOTE: Other courses may apply, depending on their content):
- RELG 2410 Religion and Science 3 hours
- RELG 2420 Religion and Culture 3 hours
- RELG 2430 Environments and Religion 3 hours
- RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action 3 hours
- RELG 2450 Death and Dying 3 hours
- RELG 2500 Gender, Culture, and Religion 3 hours
- RELG 3030 Topics in Religion and Society 3 hours
- RELG 3070 Topics in Religion and Psychology 3 hours
- RELG 3600 Field Experience in Religion 1-6 hours
- RELG 3605 International Field Experience in Religion 1-6 hours
Special Degree Requirements
- Of the required 42 credit hours to complete a B.A. in religious studies, a minimum of 18 credit hours must be taken at Webster University.
- At least 12 credit hours of courses for the major must be completed at the 3000 and 4000 levels.
- Up to 9 hours of coursework from cognate disciplines may count toward Religious Studies major requirements.
- In special cases, up to 9 hours of foreign language coursework beyond the elementary level may count toward the Religious Studies major requirements.
- Courses in Religious Studies completed with a grade lower than C- will not count toward fulfilling the major.
- No more than 6 credit hours of coursework outside the classroom structure, such as in a readings course, independent study, field experience, etc., will count toward the major requirements.
Departmental Academic Honors
A Religious Studies major may earn departmental academic honors by completing the additional requirements below.
To earn departmental academic honors, a Religious Studies major must:
- Maintain a G.P.A. of 3.5 in Religious Studies coursework.
- Complete at least 18 credit hours in Religious Studies courses offered at the 3000 and 4000 levels.
- Complete at least two semesters of a foreign language with a grade of B or higher in each semester, or test out of that requirement.
- Participation of 3 hours or more in a domestic or international field experience.
- Complete the Senior Honors Project courses, RELG 4600 and 4700.
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Minor in Religious Studies
Students completing a major in other departments can fulfill the requirements for a minor in religious studies with a minimum of 18 credit hours of religious studies courses.
Certificate Program: Buddhist Studies
(18 required credit hours)
Despite its modest size, Thailand has the third-largest population of Buddhists in the world, behind only China and Japan. Buddhism has also enjoyed an unusually long period of continuity in Thailand. As dramatic changes have swept through Thailand and Southeast Asia in the last 50 years, Buddhism has been both highly conservative and radically innovative. Thai monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu expressed both aspects when he called for a life of contemplative simplicity and social engagement to counteract the pressures of modern materialism. It was Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh who first gave the name "Engaged Buddhism" to this form of religious practice. Engaged Buddhism was his answer to fellow Buddhists who asked, as the Vietnam War raged, if they should continue their meditation practice or work to stop the war. The engaged Buddhist response unites these two paths--the path of meditation and the path of work to relieve social suffering.
The Buddhist studies certificate program of study draws on Webster University's strengths in religious and international studies to explore the complex social reality of Buddhism in Asia today. We offer students a firsthand opportunity to study the cultural and spiritual roots of their host country, and to investigate the many ways in which contemporary Buddhists engage their changing social world--through grassroots activism, as well as through art, ritual, philosophy, institutional reform, and political debate.
Completion of the certificate requires a minimum of eight weeks residence and 9 credit hours of coursework at the Hua Hin/Cha-am campus. The remainder of the 18 credit hours may be completed (in whole or part) at Hua Hin/Cha-am, St. Louis, or any other Webster campus that offers appropriate courses.
We encourage students to approach Buddhism holistically, by embracing three forms of learning:
- scholarship on Buddhism as a major world religious tradition;
- face-to-face encounters with Thais and others who practice Buddhism; and
- personal reflection that grows from grappling with Buddhism as a philosophy, as a form of transformational practice, and as a cultural reality.
Classroom discussions, field excursions, guest lectures, and opportunities for meditation practice are designed to create a multi-dimensional learning experience.
Requirements
- RELG 2075 Introduction to Buddhism 3 hours
- ANSO 2000 Issues in Contemporary Society: Thai Ways--
The Culture, Politics and Economy of Thailand 3 hours
At least one course (3 credit hours) from each of the following groups:
Group One--Socially Engaged Buddhism:
- RELG 2420 Religion and Culture: Buddhism East and West 3 hours
- RELG 2430 Environments and Religion: Buddhist
Eco-Activism 3 hours - RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action: Engaged Buddhism 3 hours
- RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action: Engaged
Buddhism in Asia 3 hours - RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action:
Engaged Buddhism in Thailand 3 hours
Group Two--Buddhism and Society:
- RELG 2400 Religion and the Arts: Buddhist Arts 3 hours
- RELG 2430 Environments and Religion: Buddhism
and Ecology 3 hours - RELG 2500 Gender, Culture, and Religion:
Women in Buddhism 3 hours - RELG 3030 Topics in Religion and Society:
The Thai Temple/Monastery 3 hours - RELG 3030 Topics in Religion and Society
(with Buddhist topic) 3 hours
An additional two elective courses (at least 6 credit hours) chosen from any course designated as part of the Buddhist studies certificate program, including courses listed above and the following:
- RELG 2030 Contemporary Topics (with Buddhist topic) 3 hours
- RELG 3070 Topics in Religion and Psychology:
Meditation and Healing 3 hours - RELG 3120 Buddhism 3 hours
- RELG 3600 Field Experience in Religion 1-6 hours
- RELG 3605 International Field Experience in Religion 1-6 hours
- RELG 4400 Spiritual Paths and Classics 3 hours
- RELG 4550 Advanced Study in Religion 3 hours
- RELG 4610 Reading Course: Directed Readings,
Research Project, or Meditation Practicum 1-6 hours - FILM 3160 Topics in Film Studies: Buddhism in Film 3 hours
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Religious Studies Course Listings
RELG 1000 Roots of Religion (3)
Introduces the study of religion through investigation of major theories of religion, through direct contact with religious institutions or through the study of the lives of religious persons. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 1040 Phenomena (3)
Examines a religious phenomenon of current interest. Recent topics have included: magic and the occult, the Jesus movement, and ecstasy and meaning. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 1050 Experience and Values (3)
Provides frameworks for examining, understanding, and clarifying personal experience and values, including the students' own experience and values, to introduce the connections between religious teachings and personal living and decision making. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 1060 World Religions (3)
Concerns origins, historical development of worship, ethics, theology, scriptures, and institutions of the world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
RELG 1080 Thinking Through Religions (3)
There is no guarantee that anything you read in religion is true! This course introduces students to separating plausible and implausible claims to truth in different religions, and demonstrates how religious studies contribute to critical thinking--through the acquisition of skills in argumentation, debate, analysis, and decision making. Students will evaluate the validity of religious truth claims, religious language, religious authorities, spiritual experience, conflicting claims in science and religion, and ethical judgments.
RELG 2030 Contemporary Topics (3)
Involves inquiry into current religious developments, such as liberation theology, black theology, women's theology, contemporary religious thinkers, and native American religious thought. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2050 Religion and Human Values (3)
Investigates the theories and processes of moral decision making. Analyzes specific issues such as war and peace, nonviolence, sexuality, race, medical experimentation, and poverty in relation to such values as freedom, justice, and equality in an organized society. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2070 Introduction to Religions of the East (3)
Provides a basic framework for approaching the major religious and philosophical traditions of Asia. The student is exposed to the ideas, rituals, and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. By studying the religious issues of India, China, and Japan, one gleans an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of Asia.
RELG 2075 Introduction to Buddhism (3)
Covers comprehensively the full range of historical, doctrinal, practical, and cultural forms of Buddhism, and its geographic spread around the globe. Includes consideration of the lives and teachings of the Buddha, major scriptures and forms of practice and devotionalism, and Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, syncretic, and Western Buddhisms.
RELG 2080 Introduction to Western Religions (3)
Provides a basic framework for approaching the major religious and philosophical traditions of the West, meaning those derived from the Mediterranean and Arabic worlds. The student is introduced to the ideas, rituals, and practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with reference also to Greek and Roman religions, Zoroastrianism, and related religions. By studying the religious issues of the Near East, the Middle East, and Europe, one gleans an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Americas and the West.
RELG 2100 Religion and Literature (3)
Studies the important interrelationships of literary forms and the world's religions. Examines religious reflection on various complexities of existence as depicted in selected genres or examples of literature. Typically considers literary themes in religious terms, or vice versa, and the ways in which creative writings and religious ideas amplify and interrogate each other. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2150 Existence and Meaning (3)
Introduces key religious perspectives on human life and thought through a sustained analysis of religious ideas, thinkers, or cultural forms. Examines defining conditions of human existence and our roles as meaning-makers and interpreters of inherited meanings, especially those of religious teachings. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2200 Renaissance and Reformation (3)
Surveys the social, political, philosophical, and cultural events of a keystone period in the history of Western civilization. Cross-listed with HIST 2210.
RELG 2350 Sacred Texts (3)
Explores the foundational texts, scriptures, or classics of one or more religious traditions with particular attention to literary, historical, and critical issues and how these texts have remained sacred or normative within their tradition. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: any 1000-level religious studies course.
RELG 2400 Religion and the Arts (3)
Studies the important interrelationships of the arts in world religions. The use of the visual and allied arts for communication and edification has been a primary concern both positive: e.g., the glorification of Rome during the counter-reformation, and negative: e.g., the Islamic proscription of images for all religions. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2410 Religion and Science (3)
This course will investigate and explore the various relationships between religion and science theories. Note this is a thematic course. Themes may include: conflict in religion and science, confluence of religion and science, difference between scientific claims and religious beliefs.
RELG 2420 Religion and Culture (3)
Studies selected areas in which religious institutions and beliefs are influenced by their cultural environment and cultures are influenced and molded by religious ideas. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2430 Environments and Religion (3)
Brings to reflection the inherent relationships between specific geographic locations, environmental issues, religion, and the world's religions. May include considerations of sacred space, spiritual relationships with the earth, doctrinal views of eco-responsibility, environmentalism, and forms of eco-activism. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2440 Religion and Social Action (3)
Examines key instances and ideas in which one (or more) religion or religiously inspired group or movement has sought to influence or change a particular society or social behavior. May include consideration of appropriate and effective methods for achieving social change. Examples include (but are not limited to) Engaged Buddhism, Liberation Theology, the civil rights movement, utopian religious groups, and peace activism. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 2450 Death and Dying (3)
Attempts to define life and death and deal with the processes that facilitate and accompany the transition from life to death.
RELG 2500 Gender, Culture, and Religion (3)
Discusses diverse representations of gender in selected religious traditions and cultural contexts. Considers their influence on religious conceptions of personhood and divinity, relationships between humans, cosmic and natural orders, and representations of the divine. Cultural and social definitions of gender roles, and resistances to those definitions, may also be included. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3030 Topics in Religion and Society (3)
Examines religious belief, ritual, and organization through the study of social structure and cultural values. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3050 Topics in Religion and Philosophy (3)
Studies philosophical reflections on religion, including analysis of claims and concepts used to support or challenge religious beliefs. May focus on philosophers, such as Camus, Dewey, Nietzsche, Otto, or Whitehead, or on topics, using arguments from classical, European, American, and Asian sources. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3070 Topics in Religion and Psychology (3)
Investigates religious beliefs and behavior and the influence of religion on the life of the individual. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3100 Hinduism (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of Hinduism, including its ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3120 Buddhism (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of Buddhism, including its ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3130 Religions of China and Japan (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of Chinese and/or Japanese religions, including their ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3180 Judaism (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of Judaism, including its ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3190 Christianity (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of Christianity, including its ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3200 Islam (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of Islam, including its ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3210 African Religions (3)
Presents the historical background and developments, the cultural contexts, and the distinctive religious features of African religions, including their ideas, rituals, practices, major historical figures, symbolic representations, and influences in the lives of adherents. Usually a survey course, the specific emphasis is announced each time the course is offered. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 3600 Field Experience in Religion (1-6)
For students undertaking travel and research into a specific religious topic through direct contact with the material or people studied, outside academic confines. Requires prior and follow-up consultation with a faculty member approved by the department chair, and preparation of a portfolio, to include an advance description of the intended field experience and projected itinerary; documentation of the travel and experiences; and a summary of and formal reflection on those experiences. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
RELG 3605 International Field Experience in Religion (1-6)
See description of RELG 3600 above for requirements. Intended for students undertaking travel and research into a specific religious topic, outside the student's home campus. Highly recommended for religious studies majors and minors, especially juniors, to enhance an understanding of religion in global contexts. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
RELG 4040 Belief Systems (3)
Approaches the issues of belief and unbelief through readings from philosophers and theologians. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 4310 Business Ethics (3)
Explores the ethical and moral aspects of the relationship of business organizations and practices to business people and to the larger society.
RELG 4400 Spiritual Paths and Classics (3)
Focuses on classics in spiritual practice and development chosen from specific religious traditions, so as to reflect on the paths and teachings they set forth. Builds on introductory courses in spiritual exploration and in world religions. Topics may include: Chinese mysticism (especially Taoism), Islamic Sufism, the English Christian mystics, Zen, and other Buddhist schools, utopian religious communities, or Hindu yoga(s). May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 4550 Advanced Study in Religion (3)
An open-topic seminar course, examining in detail aspects of a religious tradition or traditions introduced in prior courses. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 4560 Practicum (3-5)
Supervised internship in direct practica with individuals and groups. Placement may include teaching, pastoral work, or social activism. Prerequisites: 9 credit hours of religious studies and permission of the department chair.
RELG 4600 Senior Project Preparation (3)
This course will give a student, under the direction of a mentor, guidance in proposing, researching and outlining their Senior Project. The student, under the direction of a mentor, prepares and presents a substantial project demonstrating the competencies acquired in the major and integrating the various components of the student's interests within the field. RELG 4600 is used to develop a proposal, do background research, and prepare an outline for the project. RELG 4700 is used to complete and present the project to the faculty. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of the department chair.
RELG 4610 Reading Course (1-6)
Prerequisites: approval of the instructor and filing of official form. May be repeated for credit if content differs.
RELG 4700 Senior Project (3)
Involves preparation and presentation of a major project to serve as senior overview. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of the department chair.[Top of Page] [Table of Contents] [Webster University Front Page] [Locations]
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