Religious Studies Minor

Religious Studies Minor Program Information

PO Box 70656
Rogers-Stout 322
Phone: (423) 439-4425
Web address: www.etsu.edu/cas/philosophy/

Dr. Keith Green, Director
email: greenj@etsu.edu

The Religious Studies Minor is a 21 credit interdisciplinary program of study hosted by the Philosophy Department, and including faculty and courses from the departments of History, Sociology and Anthropology, English, Appalachian Studies, and other fields. The program is designed for students interested in the historical, social, scientific, and philosophical study of religions and religious thought throughout the world. It may be elected as preparation for professional graduate education in theology or ministry. Students specifically interested in critical and philosophical issues in the study of religions may also concentrate in religious studies within the philosophy major (see Philosophy Major, B.A. (Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration)  or Philosophy Major, B.S. (Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration) ).

Religious Studies Minor: 21 credits

A minor is a secondary area of study outside of the major program of study with a structured curriculum composed of at least 18 credits of which at least 9 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.

Religious Studies Requirements: 9 credits

• RELI 2210 - Introduction to the Study of World Religions (3 credits)
• SOAA 3800 - Religion, Society, and Culture (3 credits)
• PHIL 4047 - Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)

Western Religions: 3 credits

Choose at least one course from the following:

• APST 3530 - Religion in Appalachia (3 credits)
• ENGL 3280 - Mythology (3 credits)
• ENGL 3700 - The Bible as Literature (3 credits)
• HIST 3910 - History of Christianity (3 credits)
• HIST 3911 - Ancient Religions (3 credits)
• HIST 3912 - Ancient Israel and Modern Scholarship (3 credits)
• HIST 3914 - The Historical Jesus and the Early Church (3 credits)
• HIST 3920 - History of Islam (3 credits)
• HIST 4387 - History of the Holocaust (3 credits)
• RELI 3240 - Hebrew Scriptures (3 credits)
• RELI 3250 - Greek Scriptures (3 credits)

Non-western Religions: 3 credits

Choose at least one from the following:

• HIST 3913 - The History of Buddhism (3 credits)
• RELI 3230 - Asian Religious and Philosophical Traditions (3 credits)

Advisor Approved Courses: 6 credits

• Any RELI course
• SOCI 4440 - Sociology of Religion   
• Elective(s) may be chosen from the lists of Western and Non-Western courses listed above.

Note: Other courses may apply with advisor approval. Electives may be chosen from the lists of Western and Non-Western courses listed above. Other courses may apply with advisor approval.

Additional Information

It is possible to major in Philosophy and minor in Religious Studies.

For students interested in preparation for seminary or divinity school, professional graduate education in theology or ministry:

Many students major in philosophy with a religious studies concentration,or minor in religious studies as a way to prepare for seminary or divinity school. (The MDiv-Master of Divinity-is the standard professional degree for students preparing for a career requiring ordination to the ministry or rabbinate.) The American Association of Theological Schools advises students to major in any humanities or social science field. While previous study in the area of religious studies and philosophy is recommended, it is not required for admission to programs of professional study leading to the MDiv. RELI 3240 - Hebrew Scriptures  and RELI 3250 - Greek Scriptures  are relevant for students interested in the Christian and Jewish traditions. Students aiming to apply to university divinity schools, or whose interest in the study of religions is primarily academic (as opposed to vocational) are strongly advised to  earn a B.A. degree with at least a minor in religious studies, including SOAA 3800 - Religion, Society, and Culture . It is also important to complete at least 6 credits in German, French, or in a classical language at the 3000 level.