Religious Studies minor at Colby College
Religious Studies
The academic study of religion at Colby focuses upon the origins and historical development of several of the world’s major religious traditions with the goal of enabling students to understand and appreciate religious diversity in the modern world. Although Religious Studies is a small department at Colby, we are able to include within our curriculum courses that explore Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto and thus represent a considerable exposure to complex and varied religious traditions. Occasionally we are able to expand the scope of our inquiry further.
A study of Judaism and Christianity provides students with a deep knowledge of the development of our own culture and its heritage. Similarly, learning about Asian religions is crucial for understanding the culture of India, China, Japan and other Asian countries, including those located in the area often described as the “Middle East.” We also intend to expose students to a variety of methods in Religious Studies. Thus, in our courses, students learn to study religious traditions by scrutinizing their literary traditions, archaeological remains, rituals, texts, and their effects in and upon society. The study of religion teaches people to think clearly, critically, and cross-culturally about ways in which human beings have understood the world and their role in it.
You can learn more about us, our faculty, our students, and our courses by accessing course materials and resources for your exploration of the world’s religions. The menu at the left will help you to navigate our site.
Tags: academic study, asian countries, asian religions, buddhism, colby college, confucianism, course materials, culture of india, curriculum courses, hinduism, india china japan, judaism and christianity, literary traditions, religious diversity, religious studies, religious traditions, rituals, shinto, sikhism, taoism
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Related Programs
Requirements for the Minor in Religious Studies
A minimum of six courses in religious studies, including at least one from each of the following groups: Eastern religions (211, 212); history of Christianity (216, 236, 258, 259); biblical literature (143,144); three religious studies courses at the 300 level or above. The three required 300-level courses may not include courses from other departments or institutions.
Religious Studies
The academic study of religion at Colby focuses upon the origins and historical development of several of the world's major religious traditions with the goal of enabling students to understand and appreciate religious diversity in the modern world. Although Religious Studies is a small department at Colby, we are able to include within our curriculum courses that explore Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto and thus represent a considerable exposure to complex and varied religious traditions. Occasionally we are able to expand the scope of our inquiry further.
A study of Judaism and Christianity provides students
Religious Studies
The Religious Studies Program, which includes a minor course of study, is designed to engage students in the academic exploration of the nature and expression of religious experience from a variety of perspectives and contexts. Course selection includes the study of world religions, biblical criticism, spirituality, the study of the Catholic tradition in its historical, doctrinal and ecclesial contexts and inquiry into human experience as a resource for theological insight and development. Religious Studies Minor Division of Humanities
The Religious Studies minor presents students with a cohesive and flexible program of study designed to:
increase students' understanding and appreciation of the
Requirements for the Major in Religious Studies
A minimum of 10 courses, to include at least one from each of the following groups: Eastern religions (211, 212); history of Christianity (216, 236, 258, 259); biblical literature (143, 144); three religious studies courses at the 300 level or above; and a senior independent study project. The three required 300-level courses may not include courses from other departments or institutions. The senior independent study project may take one of three forms: a four-credit independent study (491 or 492) with a religious studies faculty sponsor, a two-semester project in the honors program (483, 484)
Requirements for the Minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Six courses, including an introductory course (typically WG 201); a course in feminist theory (typically WG 311); and a senior seminar (typically WG 493); and three additional courses designated as WGSS courses or cross-listed under WGSS, at least two of which must be at the 300 or 400 level. No more than one semester of independent study (WG 491 or 492) may be counted toward fulfillment of the minor requirements.
The point scale for retention of the minor applies to all courses taken toward fulfillment of the minor. Courses counted toward the
Requirements for the Minor in African-American Studies
Seven courses including African-American Studies 276; English 343; History 247; one course selected from Music 232, 238, or American Studies 275, 282; at least one course focused on Africa or the Caribbean; and two courses selected from American Studies 493, Anthropology 217, 231, English 346, 413 (when appropriate), 427, Philosophy 213, Religious Studies 356, or Sociology 252, 354, 355, 357, 358. Course substitutions and exchanges may be made in consultation with the advisor.
Interested students also may consider an independent major in Africana studies (a selection of courses combining study of the Caribbean, the Americas,
African Studies
Embracing 54 countries and 748 million people, Africa is a vast continent of 30 million square kilometers, and one of the culturally and ecologically richest areas in the world. With a history and a future integrally connected to both the Americas and Europe, the African continent represents a prime area for study and research in the decades ahead. Some suggest that the 21st century will be the Century of Africa.
Recognizing Africa's importance in the international arena , and the growing interest among Colby students to study abroad in Africa, Colby inaugurated an African Studies Program in 2001. The African
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