Advisor: Dr. Keith Green
email: greenj@etsu.edu
The Religious Studies Minor is a 21-credit
hour interdisciplinary program of study hosted by the Philosophy
Department, and including faculty and courses from the
departments of History, Sociology and Anthropology, English,
Appalachian Studies, and other fields. The program is designed
for students interested in the historical, social, scientific,
and philosophical study of religions and religious thought
throughout the world. It may be elected as preparation for
professional graduate education in theology or ministry. Students
specifically interested in critical and philosophical issues in
the study of religions may also concentrate in religious studies
within the philosophy major (see Philosophy Major [PHIA]
Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration [RELI]).
Religious Studies Minor
.............................................. 21 Credit
Hours
RELI 2210 Introduction. to the Study of Religion
..................................... 3
SOAA 3800 Religion, Society, and Culture
............................................ 3
At least one (1) course in Judaism, Christianity, or Islam at the
3000-4000
level
...................................................................................................
3
At least one (1) course in the religious traditions of
Asia
, Native America or
Africa
at the 3000-4000 level
................................................................
3
PHIL 4047 Philosophy of Religion
.........................................................
3
Other courses in philosophy do not count toward a minor in
religious studies without the approval of the department. The
following courses from other departments, in addition to other
courses at ETSU and in study-abroad programs approved by the
Director of the Religious Studies Program may also be taken for
credit for the minor.
ENGL
/RELI 3280 Mythology
.................................................................
3
ENGL
/RELI 3700 The Bible as Literature
............................................... 3
ANTH 4250 Ethnomedicine
..................................................................
3
APST/RELI 3530 Religion in Appalachia
................................................ 3
HIST
/RELI 3910 History of Christianity
.................................................. 3
HIST
/RELI 3920 History of Islam
...........................................................
3
HIST
/RELI 4207/5207 Ancient Religions
................................................ 3
HIST
4387/5387 History of the Holocaust
............................................... 3
Note: Preparation for seminary or divinity
school, professional
graduate education in theology or
ministry
Many students major in philosophy with a
religious studies concentration, or minor in religious studies as
a way to prepare for seminary or divinity school. (The
MDiv—Master of Divinity—is the standard professional
degree for students preparing for a career requiring ordination
to the ministry or rabbinate.) The American Association of
Theological Schools advises students to major in any humanities
or social science field. While previous study in the area of
religious studies and philosophy is recommended, it is not
required for admission to programs of professional study leading
to the MDiv. RELI 3240 (“Hebrew Scriptures”) and RELI
3250 (“Greek Scriptures”) are relevant for students
interested in the Christian and Jewish traditions. Students
aiming to apply to university divinity schools, or whose interest
in the study of religions is primarily academic (as opposed to
vocational) are strongly advised to earn a B.A. degree with at
least a minor in religious studies, including SOAA 3800
(“Religion, Society, and Culture”). It is also
important to complete at least 6 hours in German, French, or in a
classical language at the 3000 level.