Professors

Cady, Feldhaus, Foard, Morrison, Samuelson

Associate Professors

Clay, Fessenden, Gereboff, Henn, Moore, Schober, Swanson, Woodward

Assistant Professors

Aguilera, Carlson, Duncan, Espinosa, Park, Umar, Wenger

Lecturer

Kefeli-Clay

RELIGIOUS STUDIES—BA

The BA degree in Religious Studies consists of 45 semester hours, 30 of which must be in religious studies (including 21 in upper-division courses) and 15 of which must be in related fields. In order for the student to become acquainted with the character and role of religions across a wide spectrum of social and historical contexts, the 30 semester hours in religious studies must include the following courses:

 1. REL 305 Ritual, Symbol, and Myth;

 2. at least one course from each of the following distribution areas: Religion in the Americas, Religion and Asian Cultures, and Religion and Western Cultures;

 3. REL 400 Approaches to Religion; and

 4. two research seminars, including REL 405 Problems in Religious Studies, which may be repeated for credit; or

 5. in place of a second seminar, a student may take REL 499 to write an undergraduate thesis.

The Religious Studies major is an appropriate choice for students wishing to explore such areas as African or African American studies; Islamic studies; myth, ritual, and the arts; Native American studies; and religion and politics. All majors must plan their programs in consultation with a departmental advisor. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required in the 30 semester hours of religious studies courses.

MINOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The minor in Religious Studies consists of 18 semester hours, at least 15 of which must be in the upper division. REL 305 is required. For minor verification, students must consult a department advisor.

BIS CONCENTRATION

A concentration in religious studies is available under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree, a program intended for the student who has academic interests that might not be satisfied with existing majors. Building on two academic concentrations (or one double concentration) and an interdisciplinary core, students in the BIS program take active roles in creating their educational plans and defining their career goals. For more information, see School of Interdisciplinary Studies.

CERTIFICATES AND EMPHASES

The following certificate programs or emphases are offered in conjunction with the BA in Religious Studies. For more information on each, see Certificate Programs and Areas of Emphasis, or access the department Web site at www.asu.edu/clas/religious_studies.

Asian Studies Certificate

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to pursue an Asian Studies emphasis or East Asian Studies Certificate combining courses from the major with selected outside courses of wholly Asian content.

Islamic Studies Certificate

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn an Islamic Studies Certificate by successfully completing the requirements mentioned in Islamic Studies Certificate.

Jewish Studies Certificate

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to pursue a Jewish Studies Certificate combining courses from the major with selected outside courses in the area of Jewish Studies.

Latin American Studies Certificate

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to pursue a Latin American Studies certificate combining courses from the major with selected outside courses of wholly Latin American content.

Russian and East European Studies

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn a Russian and East European Studies Certificate by successfully completing one of the options mentioned in Russian and East European Studies.

Southeast Asian Studies Emphasis

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn a Southeast Asian Studies Certificate by successfully completing the requirements.

Women and Gender Studies

Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn a Women and Gender Studies Certificate by successfully completing the requirements.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

The faculty in the Department of Religious Studies offer a graduate program leading to the MA degree for those who wish to enter a doctoral program in the study of religions, for those who wish to teach at the community college level, and for those in nonacademic careers who desire general competence in the academic study of religions. A doctoral program is offered. See the Graduate Catalog for requirements.

Omnibus Courses. For an explanation of courses offered but not specifically listed in this catalog, see Omnibus Courses.

Graduate-Level Courses. For information about courses numbered from 500 to 799, see the Graduate Catalog, or access www.asu.edu/aad/catalogs on the Web. In some situations, undergraduate students may be eligible to take these courses; for more information, see Graduate-Level Courses.