Minor in Religious Studies
The minor in religious studies provides a coherent and balanced set of courses, with work on general theories of religion, studies in religion and culture, and explorations of religious phenomena around the world. Minors are permitted to preregister for up to two courses per quarter.
Requirements
The minor in Religious Studies consists of 6 courses in the department:
- Religion 170: Introduction to the Study of Religion
or Religion 172: Introduction to Religion, Media, and Culture- This course is required of all minors and majors and is a foundational/”gateway” course to be taken as early as possible in the course of study. This course is essential to developing critical perspectives in the study of religion.
- This course is required of all minors and majors and is a foundational/”gateway” course to be taken as early as possible in the course of study. This course is essential to developing critical perspectives in the study of religion.
- Five other religion courses
- Of these 5 courses, at least 3 must be at the 300 or 400 level.
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, Professor Sarah Taylor, at sarah@northwestern.edu.
- 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.