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JMU Major: Philosophy and Religion
Description of the Major | Degrees Offered | Concentrations | Minors |
Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major

Description of the Major

Students majoring in philosophy and religion choose a concentration in philosophy or religion. The philosophy concentration focuses on major figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant. You will study problems arising in contemporary movements such as analytic philosophy, existentialism and American philosophy; you will be introduced to the major subdivisions of philosophy, including logic, ethics, aesthetics, philosophy and law, philosophy of science and philosophy of religion.

The religion concentration focuses on the major religious traditions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; their expression in cultural and social practices; and particular cultural and religious traditions. Topic areas in the study of religion include eastern religions, western religions, Biblical studies, ethics, religion and society, and religious thought and theology. Connections are made between religion and other areas of knowledge, such as literature, politics, history, and the arts. You will assess the role religion plays in contemporary social and political contexts, American and global.

Degrees Offered

B.A.

Concentrations

Philosophy
Religion
Interdisciplinary Philosophy
Interdisciplinary Religion

Minors

Philosophy
Religion
Global Religions and Global Issues

Declaring the Major

New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Declare the philosophy and religion major when you register for orientation.

Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Submit a "Change or Declaration of Major" form to the Philosophy and Religion department in Sheldon Hall, room 218.

Progressing in the Major

Remain in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.