Comparative Religion
Be sure to designate your gift to the "Dept. of Comparative Religion"
Undergraduate Programs
Religion courses are designed to give students (1) an understanding of the nature and role of religion in human societies, both past and present, both non-Western and Western, (2) a grasp of the various methods used by scholars to describe and explain religion, to assess achievements of these methods, and to develop new methods for increasing their knowledge of religious thought and practice.
Many courses in the department are approved for General Education, and students can extend their general education to include knowledge of religious thought and practice and to relate their knowledge of religion to their knowledge derived from other disciplines in the University.
The departmental major and minors are a good preparation for graduate study in religion, for the teaching of the academic study of religion in the public schools, and for a vocation associated with religion.
BACCALAUREATE WRITING REQUIREMENT
Students who have chosen the Religion major will satisfy the Baccalaureate Writing
Requirement by successfully completing REL 3000 Writing About Religion, or its equivalent
(consult undergraduate advisor).
Requirements
Majors
A major in religion consists of a minimum of 28 hours and includes REL 1000 and REL 2000, one course in the field of Historical Studies, and two courses from the remaining three fields (Constructive Studies, Methodological Studies, Comparative Studies). Two of these courses may be at the 4000/5000 level.
Minors
A minor in religion consists of a minimum of 16 hours and includes REL 1000 and REL 2000. One course is recommended in the field of Historical Studies; the remaining course should be taken in any of the remaining fields.
Recommendations
Recognizing the growing demand for graduates with cross-cultural experiences and second language abilities, the Department of Comparative Religion strongly encourages students majoring and minoring in Comparative Religion to participate in Western's semester or year-long study abroad program. Interested students should contact the undergraduate advisor of Comparative Religion, and the Office of International Affairs as early as possible upon their arrival at Western Michigan University.