Major in Religious Studies
The undergraduate major in Religious Studies offers a choice between a general Religious Studies degree -- Global Study of Religion (GSR) and one of three focused interdisciplinary concentrations.
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Requirements (GSR)
The departmental major consists of 12 courses in the department:
- Religion 170: Introduction to the Study of Religion
or Religion 172: Introduction to Religion, Media, and Culture
- Required of all majors and minors as a foundational or “gateway” course to be taken as early as possible in the course of study.
- Required of all majors and minors as a foundational or “gateway” course to be taken as early as possible in the course of study.
- Religion 395: Theories of Religion
- A capstone course designed for Religious Studies majors and minors but also welcoming of those with a strong interest in Religious Studies.
- Ten other religion courses
- Of these 10 courses, at least 5 must be at the 300 or 400 level.
- Religion 396-1,2
- Senior Thesis Seminar (not required for major, but precondition for departmental honors)
In the fall and winter terms of the senior year, majors may enroll for 396-1,2 and will write a senior thesis of approximately 30-50 pages. Students who wish to take 396-1,2 must take these courses in addition to the 12 courses normally required for the major.
- Senior Thesis Seminar (not required for major, but precondition for departmental honors)
Course Substitutions
Students may substitute as many as 2 courses on religion from outside the department. These must be taken from the list of approved courses below, or with approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- Anthro 350: Anthropology of Religion
- Hist 270: Islam in History
- Hist 355: Islam in Africa
- Hist 371: Islamic Institutions
- Hist 374: Historical Background of Jewish-Muslim Relations
- Phil 266: Philosophy of Religion
- Soc 314: Sociology of Religion and Ideology
To propose another course for substitution approval, please submit a course description and syllabus, accompanied by a written request, to the Director of the Undergraduate Studies.
Double Counting Rules
Many courses offered at Northwestern fit more than one requirement. In some situations, a Weinberg student taking such a course can count it toward multiple requirements; in other situations, such “double-counting” is not allowed.
The Registrar's website provides a useful summary of Weinberg College double-counting rules for specific majors and minors.