Religion, Study of
Office: Literature Building, third floor, room 3323
(858) 534-8849
Email: religion@ucsd.edu
Program Web site: http://religion.ucsd.edu/
Program Director: Nancy Caciola
Faculty
Courses
Program Description
The program engages in the academic study of religious phenomena in
many regions of the world and within many different religious cultures
and traditions; and it studies literature, history, and society in
relation to religion.
Faculty and students associated with the program give primacy to humanistic
and social scientific methods of study that have become established
in the academic community during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The location of the program in the Arts and Humanities Division and
its use of courses from a variety of departments and divisions imply
that neither the study of religion nor its data are the privileged possession
of a single discipline. The hallmark of the program is its interdisciplinary
and interdepartmental structure. At UCSD, faculty from the departments
of Anthropology, History, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science,
Sociology, and Visual Arts provide students with the opportunity to
examine religious artifacts, texts, institutions, and communities within
a particular cultural and historical context and in the context of comparable
manifestations within the general history of religions.
A concentration in the Study of Religion aims at fostering a students
understanding of religion as one of the primary expressions of the
human
condition and as an historically powerful force in the shaping of human
cultures; and it aims to foster an understanding of multiple religious
traditions. It seeks to develop a students appreciation
of the difficulties and possibilities inherent in undertaking a critical,
disciplined, cross-cultural study of religion.
Since the program endorses an interdisciplinary and comparative approach
to the study of religion, lower-division preparation should be wide
and varied. Lower-division courses in which religion figures prominently
(e.g., Introduction to Religion, The Making of the Modern World, or
the Revelle College Humanities Program), as well as courses which focus
on textual and contextual analysis and employ the analytical tools and
conceptual categories of the human sciences, would all be useful in
preparing the student for a major in the Study of Religion. The program
strongly encourages foreign language study. The ability to read the
languages of original sources and of modern scholarship is highly recommended,
especially for students planning to attend graduate school in religion.
Major
The major in the Study of Religion consists of twelve upper-division
courses; achieving a balance between courses which focus on a single
religious tradition or issue and those which
explore various traditions and methodologies. These courses should
include the following:
- two required courses in the Study of Religion, (1) RELI 110A or
B and (2) RELI 112 or 113.
- ten courses from the approved course list to be selected in consultation
with the program director. Students should see the program adviser
for further details.
Double Major
Students may choose to pursue the Study of Religion as their second
major. In such cases, it may be possible for up to two courses to overlap
with the other major. Students should consult the program coordinator
for further information.
Honors in the Study of Religion
The program for the Study of Religion offers an Honors Program for
students who demonstrate excellence in the major. The minimum eligibility
requirements for the Honors Program are stated below. In most cases
students are completing their last two quarters (winter and spring)
when they enroll in the honors program.
- completion of RELI 110A or 110B
- at least junior standing
- 3.5 GPA in the major and a 3.3 overall GPA
- eight units of RELI 196H taken over two quarters (typically winter
and spring)
- research paper (at least 20 pages: most students write between
30–50 pages.)
- public presentation
Students interested in the Honors Program should consult with the
program coordinator for a detailed list of requirements and an application.
Participation in the Honors Program is contingent upon the prior approval
of the Honors Thesis research topic by the director. Honors proposals
are due at the Program Office by the tenth week of the quarter (usually
fall quarter of the senior year) prior to being enrolled. Final approval
must take place before the first
day
of the quarter in which the student plans to enroll in RELI 196H. The
notations distinction, high distinction, and
highest distinction will be determined on the following
basis; major G.P.A., the grade for the research paper, and the grade
for the public presentation.
Minor
The minor in the Study of Religion consists of seven courses, of which
five must be upper-division. These seven courses must include two
required
courses in the Study of Religion as delineated under the major:
- RELI
110A or 110B, and
- RELI 112 or 113.
Some students may apply two
lower-division
college requirements to the minor (e.g., Revelle students may apply
HUM 1 and HUM 2, and ERC students may apply MMW 2 and MMW 3).
Student Advising
All students are assigned a faculty adviser and are encouraged to meet
with their adviser at least once a quarter to develop their course of
study. Additional advising information may be obtained from the program
coordinator, Literature Building, third floor, room 3323.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to investigate the University of California
Education Abroad Program (EAP) and other options for foreign study through
the Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). By petition, credits earned
through EAP/OAP can fulfill major and minor requirements. More information
about studying abroad can be obtained in the Education Abroad section
of the catalog.
Career Opportunities and Preparation for Graduate Study
Among its many aims, the major in the Study of Religion is designed
to develop fundamental skills in critical thinking, comparative analysis,
research, and written expression. As such, the B.A. degree is appropriate
for careers in education, government, business, and non-profit agencies.
It is also an excellent preparation for graduate study in a variety
of fields and disciplines.
Students interested in earning a California teaching credential from
UCSD should contact the Teacher Education Program for further information.
Students are encouraged to consult the program director for further
information about career opportunities and graduate study. Information
is also available on the program’s Web site.
Religion, Study of
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