Religious Studies Minor

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College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Philosophy and Humanities

Religious Studies Program Information

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

Dr. Keith Green, Director

email: greenj@etsu.edu

The Religious Studies Minor is a 21-credit hour 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 [PHIA] Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration [RELI]).

Religious Studies Minor: 21 Credit Hours

A minimum of 21 hours is required, including :

RELI 2210 - Introduction to the Study of World Religions (3 credits)
At least one (1) course in western religions (3 credits)
At least one (1) course in non-western religions
SOAA 3800 - Religion, Society, and Culture (3 credits)
PHIL 4047 - Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)

Other Approved Courses

Other courses in philosophy do not count toward a minor in religious studies without the approval of the department. The following courses from other departments or other previously approved courses may be included.

ENGL 3280 - Mythology (3 credits)
ENGL 3700 - The Bible as Literature (3 credits)
APST 3530 - Religion in Appalachia (3 credits) or
RELI 3530 - Religion in Appalachia (3 credits)
HIST 3910 - History of Christianity (3 credits) or
RELI 3910 - Christianity (3 credits)
HIST 3920 - History of Islam (3 credits) or
RELI 3920 - History of Islam (3 credits)
ANTH 4250 - Ethnomedicine (3 credits)
HIST 4207 - Ancient Religions (3 credits) or
RELI 4207 - Ancient Religions (3 credits)
HIST 4230 - Renaissance and Reformation Europe (3 credits)
HIST 4387 - History of the Holocaust (3 credits)
PHIL 3160 - Native American Thinking (3 credits)

Note:

It is possible to major in philosophy and minor in religious studies.

Additional Information

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 hours in German, French, or in a classical language at the 3000 level.