Religious Studies Minor

 

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 [PHIL] Philosophy and Religious Studies Concentration [RELI]).

Religious Studies Minor:  21 Credits

Religious Studies Requirements:  9 Credits

  • RELI 2210 Introduction to the Study of Religion (3 credits)
  • ANTH 3800 Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3 credits)
  • PHIL 4047 Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)

Western Religions:  3 Credits
Choose at least one of the following:

  • ARTH 4017 Classical Art (3 credits)
  • ARTH 4027 Medieval Art (3 credits)
  • ARTH 4037 Italian Renaissance (3 credits)
  • ARTH 4047 Baroque Art (3 credits)
  • ENGL 3280 Mythology (3 credits)
  • ENGL 3700 The Bible as Literature (3 credits)
  • APST 3530 Religion in Appalachia (3 credits)
  • HIST 3903 African American Religious History (3 credits)
  • HIST 3910 History of Christianity (3 credits)
  • HIST 3911 Ancient Religions (3 credits)
  • HIST 3912 Ancient Israel and Modern Scholarship (3 credits)
  • HIST 3914 The Historical Jesus and the Early Church (3 credits)
  • HIST 3920 History of Islam (3 credits)
  • HIST4387 History of the Holocaust (3 credits)
  • RELI 3240 Hebrew Scriptures (3 credits)
  • RELI 3250 Greek Scriptures (3 credits)

Non-Western Religions:  3 Credits
 Choose at least one of the following:

  • HIST 3913 The History of Buddhism (3 credits)
  • HIST 3230 Asian Religious and Philosophical Traditions (3 credits)
  • RELI 3230 Indian and Buddhist Philosophy (3 credits) 

Advisor Approved Courses:  6 Credits
 Students may choose from the following:

  • Any RELI course
  • SOCI 4440 Sociology of Religion (3 credits)
  • ARTH 4957 Special Topics in Art (1-6 credits) (with approval of program coordinator) 
  • Electives from the Western and Non-Western courses listed above
  • Other courses may apply with advisor approval.

 

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.

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