The study of religion by its nature includes different disciplinary approaches and critical methodologies. Students completing a major with a concentration in religion will gain experience in these approaches and will improve in the following skills and competencies:
- mastery of the key concepts of global religious traditions (e.g. Hinduism; Buddhism; Judaism; Christianity; Islam), and the historical and contemporary expressions of these religions in their social, political and cultural contexts.
- specialized knowledge in at least one religious tradition or specialized area of comparative and issues-oriented study, and a broad competence in at least two others
- use of this knowledge to reflect upon problems of interpreting religious texts
- skill in the comparative and multi-disciplinary analytical methods used in the academic study of religion.
- ability to articulate research and arguments effectively orally and in writing.
- skill in evaluating different cultural perspectives on particular questions and issues, formulating sound arguments, and examining claims for strengths and weaknesses.
All students who concentrate in religion take a 400 level capstone seminar during their senior year that will provide them extensive opportunity for research, critical and creative thought, and oral and written expression.