REL 450 Religious Community Project Internship (4 credit hours)

The religious studies program at Oakland University offers both a concentration in religious studies (28 credit hours required) and minors in either Christianity studies, Islamic studies or Judaic studies (20 credit hours required for each).  In addition, students may major in religious studies according to an individually approved course of studies (students develop this individualized program in consultation with the program director).

Each of these three major options --concentration, minor, or individualized major -- requires REL 450, Religious Community Project Internship, as a capstone course for the chosen program of study. The purpose of this course is to involve the student in the religious life of the greater Detroit community in a practical and experiential way. This hands-on learning opportunity is understood to be an integral part of the learning experience that the religious studies program provides, not simply an add-on to “pure” academic study. The opportunities for service-learning that characterizes this class varies in content from semester to semester, but consistently offers the student the opportunity to become involved in the activities of real-life non-profit organizations and religious institutions that strive for the improvement in the quality of life in this region. Typically, the student keeps a journal of his/her activities and meets at least twice a month with the project director in order to track and process the experience. It is expected that the student will spend 4-6 hours per week on this project. In addition, the student will be required to read resources materials as determined by the project director as the course unfolds.  At the conclusion of the course, a 4-5 page (single-spaced, space between paragraphs) summary, evaluation and over-all integration of the experience with previous classroom learning will be submitted electronically by the student to the project director. 

At the beginning of the term, a student participating in the project internship should make an appointment with the religious studies program advisor, Dr. Charles Mabee, at cmabee@oakland.edu.