Religious Studies
Religious studies is the study of the development of religious beliefs and practices across time and cultures. You will learn about the history of the most influential texts in world, how religion impacts public and private life, as well as the role of religions in shaping cultures past and present. And since religions are central to all human societies and often a driving force behind significant historical transformations, studying religion enables you to become more engaged and informed global citizens prepared for a variety of careers. As a religious studies major, you can choose Religion in Public Life or Textual Studies as your concentration.
Religious studies majors at Coastal will benefit from small classes, supportive faculty who are experts in their fields, and a close-knit community of students driven to better understand the world around them. Majors also have many opportunities to participate in student clubs, internships, study abroad, experiential learning, and leadership programs.
BA Religious Studies
Minor Religious Studies
Experiential Opportunities
Jackson Scholars
Ethics Academy
Study Abroad
Courses
As a religious studies major, you can concentrate on textual studies or religion in public life.
Foundation Requirements
(5 Courses)
RELG 203 - Studying Religion: Theory and Methods
RELG 300 - Religion in Public Life
+
RELG 103 - World Religions
or
RELG 104 - Introduction to Asian Religions
+
PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy
or
PHIL 102 - Introduction to Ethics
+
ANTH 102 - Understanding Other Cultures
or
SOC 101 - Introductory Sociology
Major Requirements
(5 Courses)
Choose 2 Courses:
RELG 205 - Introduction to Abrahamic Religions
RELG 322 - Introduction to Islam
RELG 323 - Christianity: Sects and Practices
RELG 330 - Introduction to Judaism
+
Choose 2 Courses:
RELG 320 - Introduction to Buddhism
RELG 324 - Hinduism
RELG 350 - Lives of Hindu and Buddhist Saints
RELG 351 - Religion of India
RELG 352 - Zen Buddhism (3 credits)
+
Choose 1 Course:
PHIL 300 - Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 319 - Environmental Ethics
PHIL 325 - Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 350 - Ethics of Sexuality and Gender
PHIL 370 - Medieval Philosophy
Concentration & Capstone
(3 Courses)
3 Courses from Textual Studies or Religion in Public Life Concentration
+
1 Course from Secondary Concentration
Capstone
RELG 490 - Capstone Seminar
or RELG 499 - Senior Thesis
Textual Studies Concentration
Religion in Public Life Concentration
Minor
The minor in religious studies offers students the opportunity to investigate and understand the global range of religious traditions from an academic perspective. Students explore worldwide patterns of belief, practice, community, and their respective histories and development.
Program Faculty
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Erika Tritle
Assistant Professor
Christianity (history, theology, practice, New Testament), world religions, theory and method in the study of religion, religion in public life
Alan Todd
Lecturer
Jewish and Christian Biblical Exegesis in Antiquity; Archaeology of the Greco-Roman World
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Student and Alumni Work
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Application Requirements
» Application
» $45 Application Fee
» Official Transcripts (High School, Secondary School, or Previous College)
» SAT/ACT Test Scores (optional)
For International Students
» Proof of English Proficiency (ESL Students)
» Passport
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