Department of Religion

The academic study of religions offers an understanding of religious thinking in its own terms, within its own social, cultural, and historical contexts.  Reading primary sources and other texts steeped in the languages, histories, societies, and cultures of the traditions allows students to enter a worldview expressed in symbol, ritual, and cosmology.  Listening to voices from within the traditions – through reading, guest lecturers, and field trips – facilitates a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the traditions.  The underlying vision of the Religion program is to provide insight into the world’s religious traditions in a way that facilitates an understanding of the diverse worldviews and ethical systems of particular religious outlooks.

The Religion Department has long emphasized the breadth of the world’s religions, offering courses on indigenous peoples as well as the Abrahamic and Asian traditions. These foundational courses provide a background in religious traditions that prepares students to engage in more sustained study of particular religions and comparative study across traditions.   Further, since religion remains one of the most important factors in human social life, students can apply their study of religion to courses in other disciplines, such in Politics, History, International Relations, Anthropology, Literature, Art and Area Studies. 

Department Contact:
847-735-5169

 

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