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RELIGIOUS STUDIES PROGRAM

Mission

The Religious Studies Program in the School of World Studies is guided by the idea that becoming knowledgeable about humanity’s religious traditions is vital to promoting global understanding, cooperation, compassion, and community. Through academic teaching, scholarship, study abroad programs, and public engagement, Religious Studies faculty and students are building bridges to a socially just and sustainable world.

Religious Studies in an Interdependent World

Studying the world’s past and living religious traditions is vital to understanding the history and nature of being human and to acquiring the knowledge and developing the communicative skills necessary to live as good neighbors and wise global citizens. Religion has played a vital role in the development of every dimension of human life: from art, economics, ethics and law to literature, philosophy, politics and science. The study of world religions assumes even greater importance as globalization draws individuals of different religious traditions into closer relations with each other. The city of Richmond, for example, is home not only to Catholics, Protestants, and Jews, but also to growing communities of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Sikh, Pagans, and Native Americans, as well as practitioners of Falun Gong and Santeria—all living together in a vibrant urban environment on the banks of the magnificent James River. The study of world religions is, then, key to understanding religion’s historical importance and to developing the knowledge and abilities to live in a religiously diverse global community.

Description of Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies offers a flexible program of interdisciplinary courses. In addition to a range of courses on humanity’s major Eastern and Western traditions, students may also study religions emerging from the dynamic processes of globalization. Students explore the artistic, ethical, literary, psychological, and social dimensions of religions, as well as their influence on sexuality, gender, race, health, ecology, and social justice. Religious Studies’ emphasizes excellence in written, oral, and visual interpretation and communication, critical thinking, informed conversation, and an international perspective that encourages experiential learning through study abroad and community engagement. With endowed chairs in Judaic Studies and Catholic Studies, as well as Islamic Art and the History of Christianity, and a growing community of intellectually spirited and dedicated faculty, the VCU Religious Studies program in the School of World Studies offers an excellent place to study world religions.

Career Opportunities

Many of our graduates attend graduate school as preparation for academic work or to serve their faith traditions. Other students pursue careers in business where employers seek individuals able to work effectively in the context of global religious diversity. Some of our students pursue law degrees, degrees in social work, and work with non-profit and non-governmental organizations addressing human rights, ecology, and social justice

 
For more information about our program see http://www.has.vcu.edu/wld/

Or contact the advising office at 827-3431 to set up a meeting with a faculty member or student advisor.