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Religious Studies Concentration

This concentration offers a structured program of study that  explores and examines the human religious experience, both in terms of its fundamental ideas as well as pervasive practice.  While a number of methods and disciplines common to the liberal arts tradition are employed throughout the various courses offered,k particular focus typically is given to the historical, literary, and cultural dimensions of religious expression.  This concentration may not be taken conjointly with one of the religious studies minors (Christianity studies, Islamic studies, or Judaic studies).  However, it may be taken conjointly as part of a modified major (24 credits) in philosophy or with a full major in any other department of College of Arts and Sciences.

Students wishing to make religion the focus of an independent major should contact the program advisor (cmabee@oakland.edu) for further information.  A minimum of 28 credits is required for the concentration if religious studies distributed as follows:

  1. Either REL 100 or REL 150
  2. Core studies - Two of the following (8 credits) from REL 201, 301, 303, 355
  3. Field related studies - Four courses in at least three of the following five fields (16 credits):
Art:     AH 104, 310, 322, 326
History:     HST 303, 324, 325, 357;  REL 300
Literature:     ENG 312, ENG 305/REL 311, REL 302
Social Studies:
     PSY 445 (only when special topic is religion), AN/REL 271l, SOC/REL 305
Philosophy     PHL 205, 352; PHL/REL 325; PHL/REL 350
REL 150 Summer 2012
". . . not long ago, my belief about religion in the world, different values, traditions, and rituals, was very limited not thinking about any of it, I would go above my day knowing not much about religion rather than own. After active participation in this class however, I simply started thinking about the fact that our diverse community consists of many different religions, and we should respect each other.  Armstrong's book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, reveals the fundamental approach on compassion, which I strongly support. After analyzing the book itself comparing it to the learned information in this class, I agreed on the ideas such: compassion is the correct word to summarize the teachings of all the religions we have studied this semester; I think Armstrong’s basic approach in her book is realistic and would work in the real world on a global basis indeed, I personally favored the eight step, Mindfulness most appreciating it for what it teaches as for me it was something new; from my stand point I did not have any fundamental problems with Armstrong’s approach; also, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone. Therefore,considering everything that I learned from the assigned readings, and the interaction with group members, it became easier to understand that we, current university students, who are the future of this country, quickly pursuing the successful life, need this fundamental knowledge on religion. Throughout our journey on earth, we need to apply and value at least the basics of different religions of the world presented in this class, as most than likely our future jobs and everyday interactions are going to involve active participation of diverse cultures."


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