Todd Penner, Chair
Students in religious studies courses at Austin College represent a variety of religious traditions: Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, as well as the full spectrum of Christians, from Catholic to Protestant, to Orthodox (from conservative to liberal). Students who are not committed to any particular tradition or who are exploring various traditions also contribute to the spectrum of students enrolled. Such diversity of perspectives enlivens class discussions, broadens understanding, and encourages people to examine their own beliefs. Religious Studies majors and minors typically take courses in Bible, Christian theology, and ethics, and various world religions. In addition to basic studies in these areas, the religious studies curriculum fosters explorations and growth in other course areas.
The religious studies program studies offers an array of courses that provide broad exposure to diverse religious texts, traditions, practices, and themes throughout various world cultures/regions from the ancient to the modern periods. The program focuses on the intersection of religious meanings and specific cultural contexts that shape those meanings. The approach to the study of religion is therefore largely interdisciplinary, with any single course providing exposure to several different methods of analysis and interpretation. Using these diverse approaches, the religious studies program investigates the complex, often ambiguous processes, products and performances of religious communities and individuals over time. We also seek to understand and assess religious phenomena on their own terms, appreciating their contributions to human vitality in the past and present, and examining their significance for the future. We welcome students from all religious and theological/philosophical/ideological persuasions, and aim to foster an environment where students feel free to deepen their understanding of their own traditions while engaging alternative perspectives that provide challenges and new insights. Alongside various other course offerings, the Religious Studies Program has three fields of concentration: 1) Asian religions and cultures; 2) Bible and culture; and 3) Christian theology and history. These fields correspond with the current strengths and interests of the department.
A major in religious studies consists of a minimum of eight course credit units with three courses numbered in the 100 or 200 range with one course from each of the following three concentrations: Asian religions and culture (110, 115, 220, or 250 when topic is appropriate); Bible and culture (135, 235, or 250 when topic is appropriate); Christian theology and history (165, 265, 270, or 250 when topic is appropriate). The major also requires three courses numbered 300 or above, one of which must be the concentration capstone course (301, 302, 303). Students can deepen their study of one of the three concentrations through their selection of the electives and the two courses numbered 300 or above.
A minor in religious studies consists of a minimum of five course credit units with at least two courses numbered 200 or above, one course numbered 300 or above, and representation of a least one course in two of the three departmental concentrations.
For a combined major in religious studies and philosophy, the student must complete 10 course credit units approved by both departments, to be chosen from offerings in both fields according to the personal and professional interests of the student.
