Religious Studies

About Religious Studies

The study of religious traditions explores the beliefs, actions and cultural practices of individuals and communities across the world and throughout history. Through their studies, our students gain an intercultural literacy and an appreciation for the worldviews of other peoples and cultures, as well as their own. Courses offer a variety of disciplinary perspectives on religion, including the spiritual, historical, literary, ethical, doctrinal, contemplative and social dimensions of religious people and cultures. Engaging the study of religions through academic inquiry, we seek to generate respect for the religious lives of all traditions. While many students find the study of religion fruitful for reflecting on their own religious identity, no particular religious position is privileged or assumed in any of our courses.