Religious Studies

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Religious Studies is a cooperative program offered jointly by Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona and Scripps Colleges. The program of study is designed to serve both as one focus of a liberal arts education and as a foundation for students planning to pursue the study of religion beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students may enroll in Religious Studies courses offered at any of the undergraduate colleges and advanced students may with permission, enroll in master’s-level courses in their area of specialization at Claremont Graduate University.

While offering a broadly based and inclusive program in the study of religion for all liberal arts students, the Religious Studies major affords the opportunity for more specialized work at the intermediate and advanced levels in particular historic religious traditions, geographical areas, philosophical and critical approaches and thematic and comparative studies.

The Religious Studies field group recognizes the importance and legitimacy of personal involvement in the study of religion, but it does not represent or advocate any particular religion as normative. Rather, the aim is to make possible an informed knowledge and awareness of the fundamental importance of the religious dimension in all human societies-globally and historically. In addition to preparing students for graduate study in religion, the multidisciplinary nature of the major affords students intellectual training to enter a variety of fields and careers. Recent graduates are, for example, in schools of law, medicine and business. Others have careers in management, journalism and the media, college administration, primary and secondary education, government, and health and social services.

The Religious Studies major consists of 10 courses, including four courses in a specialized field (chosen in consultation with your advisor), two integrative courses, three elective courses outside the specialized field, and a senior thesis.

Language study appropriate to the specialized field and a period of study abroad when possible are strongly encouraged.

Students may petition the chair of the department to take a specific major or minor course on a P/NC grading option. Students may also petition the chair to receive credit for Religious Studies coursework or project work completed during study abroad programs.

Pitzer Advisers: A. Alwishah, C. Johnson

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