University of Redlands
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Catalog Description
The study of religious traditions explores the religious beliefs, actions, and cultural practices of individuals and communities across the world and throughout history. Through the course of their studies, our students gain an inter-cultural literacy and an appreciation for the worldviews of other peoples and cultures, as well as their own. Religious Studies courses approach the study of religion froma variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Students are invited to critically consider the spiritual, historical, literary, ethical, doctrinal, contemplative, and social dimensions of religious people and cultures. Through engaging the study of religions in an academic context, we seek to generate respect for the religious lives of all traditions. While many students find the study of religion is important for reflecting upon their own religious identity, no particular religious position is privileged or assumed in any of our courses.
Opportunities for Students
Students have an opportunity to study scriptures, ethics, world religions and Biblical languages—including Hebrew and Greek—in both seminar and independent study settings. Many of our students take advantage of the study abroad program to further their learning about religions in India, Japan, Morocco, Scotland, etc.
While some students have gone on to seminary upon completion of their undergraduate degree, the majority combine this major with such disciplines as philosophy, sociology, pre-med, pre-law, art, or psychology in preparation for graduate study. Many of our graduates have been accepted to Harvard, Yale, and other selective graduate programs in the field. Students are encouraged to investigate graduate programs that combine the study of religion with professional training in medicine, law, social work, psychology, business and journalism.
Our department's academic program is strengthened by the J.W. and Ida M. Jameson Center for the Study of Religion and Ethics, which sponsors a lecture series, workshops, and special events.
Moreover, the opening of the Meditation Room in the Fall of 2007 provides a unique opportunity to test-out contemplative and meditative practices first-hand. We offer classes on Meditation/ Contemplative Practice for course credit as well as a variety of free, informal Meditation classes for the community.