Religious Studies Major

RELIGIOUS STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS

Religion unlocks insight to humanity.

As educators, we believe that an understanding of religion as a concept and practice allows us to better understand humanity. This is the foundation for connecting with people, understanding people and accepting people, especially those with different views, beliefs and experiences from our own. In keeping with the Mercy tradition, we are committed to fostering awareness of regional, national and global issues of justice that emerge within religious contexts and society. With our immersive curriculum, we aim to develop and hone skills in communication, argumentation, research, social justice, cultural awareness, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking.

Minors

Religious Studies

Minor Requirements

6 Courses in Religious Studies

1 Course in each area, 3 electives, RLST 480 (Recommended as one elective)

Courses in italics also fulfill core curriculum requirements for specific core categories as well as for a second religious studies core course.

Biblical Historical

RLST 110: Understanding Scripture

RLST 205: Western Christian Heritage

RLST 210: New Testament and Christian Origins

RLST 245: Christian Spiritual Traditions

RLST 270: Women and Scripture

RLST 280: Prophetic Traditions

RLST 290: Wisdom Literature

RLST 320: American Religious Thought

RLST 390: Apocalyptic Literature: Apocalypse to Zombie

Comparative Cultural

RLST 100: Introduction to Religious Studies

RLST 250: Eastern Philosophy

RLST 285: World Religions

RLST 325: Religion Enculturation and Pluralism in America

RLST 330: Hinduism

RLST 360: Buddhism

RLST 370: Islam

RLST 385: Poetry of the Sacred

RLST 420: Mysticism

Systematic-Ethical

RLST 255: Religious Perspectives on Human Relationships

RLST 260: Catholic Symbols and Sacraments

RLST 275: Liberation, Religion, and Society

RLST 300: Science and Religion

RLST 310: Religion, Modernity, and Post Modernity

RLST 345: Philosophy of Religion

RLST 375: Religion and the Environment

RLST 380: Christology

RLST 405: Social Ethics

RLST 440: Peace and Justice

Fast Facts

Religious Studies majors often double major in another discipline, which allows them to achieve a well-rounded education that opens doors to multiple career options upon graduation
Due to its humanizing nature, Religious Studies is an excellent complement to other majors and is encouraged for students who want to pursue work in intelligence or medical fields
Our graduates have pursued advanced degrees at institutions such as Yale University, the University of Chicago and Emory University
Mercyhurst’s Religious Studies department is the only one among the four universities in Erie County staffed by full-time Ph.D.-holding faculty
While Mercyhurst's roots are founded in Catholicism, we also welcome and affirm a spirit of universal Christian and interfaith openness

Learning Outcomes

Apply different methodological approaches to the academic study of religion
Identify and explain origins, developments, and diversity within different religious communities with respect to rituals, practices, theologies, or texts
Analyze and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources
Compare and contrast multiple religious traditions with respect to rituals, practices, theologies, or texts
Explain, critique, and apply different ethical paradigms
Evaluate the interface between religion and society
Compose and critique scholarship with respect to the academic study of religion

SERVICE LEARNING

We stand by the assumption that religion goes hand-in-hand with community service and volunteer work, which is why we emphasize to our students the importance of their involvement in the local community.

WRITING TO LEARN

We stress the importance of developing critical writing skills in the field by requiring essays, papers, and critiques and providing additional opportunities for revisions and consultation with faculty.

CAREER OUTCOMES

Graduates have gone on to work in ministry and service organization, the arts, health professions, social work, business and intelligence positions, as well as pursue advanced degrees at esteemed institutions.

Theta Alpha Kappa

The Religious Studies Department at Mercyhurst University has the Alpha Kappa Lambda chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, a national Religious Studies and Theology honor society associated with the American Academy of Religion.

Students inducted into this society are leaders in the department - meeting with guest speakers and participating in special events for the department. Because the University has a chapter, all University students have the opportunity to apply for the Clark Award through Theta Alpha Kappa for an undergraduate paper and to submit papers in Religious Studies or Theology to the Theta Alpha Kappa Journal.

Mercyhurst University understands the academic study of religion as an important discipline within the overall humanities curriculum. Religious experience and inquiry are taken seriously in the Mercy educational tradition as integral to the human quest for meaning and value. The Religious Studies Department respects the religious freedom of its students who are encouraged to think creatively and critically about religious and theological questions. Mercyhurst affirms its Roman Catholic heritage and identity while also honoring and studying other religious traditions. Although emphasis is given to Catholic thought and praxis, the spirit of ecumenical and interfaith openness is a characteristic of the Department and of the University itself. Central to studies of all religious traditions are critical inquiries into justice, peace, human freedom, and community.