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Religious Studies > Major/Minor Requirements

Major/Minor Requirements

Department of Religious Studies

 

 

From the 2012-2013 Millsaps College Catalog

 

Religious Studies Major

Requirements for major: Students may complete a major in religious studies with nine courses, including Introduction to Religious Studies, four courses including at least one with a primary emphasis on issues in the study of sacred Texts, another with a primary emphasis on description and interpretation of Jewish, Christian, and/or Islamic Traditions (group A), another with a primary emphasis on description and interpretation of Hindu, Buddhist, and/or other South Asian or East Asian Traditions (group B), and a fourth with a primary emphasis on developing and criticizing Arguments on religious issues (see designations below, under course descriptions, for how courses ordinarily count); and Religious Studies Seminar (Religious Studies 4900 is required of seniors and 3900 is recommended for juniors). One Core topics course taught by a member of the Religious Studies department or Heritage of the West in World Perspective taken for a full year may be counted as one course toward the religious studies major. At least five courses in the major must be taken at Millsaps. A grade of C or higher is required for all courses counted toward the major.Requirements for minor: Students may elect a minor in religious studies with any four courses from the Department of Religious Studies, including Introduction to Religious Studies (RLST 1000) and Religious Studies Seminar (RLST 3900 or 4900).

 

Philosophy - Religious Studies Major

Requirements for major: Students may complete a major in philosophy-religious studies with Philosophy of Religion (PHIL / RLST 3310), 20 additional hours in philosophy, and five additional courses in religious studies. The philosophy courses must include both parts of History of Philosophy (PHIL 3010 and 3020). The religious studies courses must include at least two courses representing primary emphasis on Traditions and Arguments (see designations in religious studies course descriptions for how courses ordinarily count and Religious Studies Seminar (3900 or 4900). Students pursuing this major will be given a specially adapted comprehensive examination by a committee of faculty from the two departments. Each student will choose to follow either the philosophy major or the religious studies major format for comprehensive examinations; when the philosophy format is chosen, Philosophy 4900 must be taken. Neither Heritage nor Core topics courses count toward the combined major. A grade of C or higher is required for all courses counted toward the major.

 

Religious Studies - Sociology - Anthropology Major

Requirements for major: Students may complete a major in religious studies-sociology/anthropology with Religion, Society, and Culture (SOAN 3200/RLST 3170), five additional courses in religious studies, and five additional courses in sociology/anthropology. The religious studies courses must include Introduction to Religious Studies (RLST 2000), two courses representing the areas of Traditions and Comparisons (see designations under religious studies course descriptions for how courses ordinarily count), and the Religious Studies Seminar (RLST 3900 or RLST 4900); the sociology/anthropology courses must include an introductory level class; Introduction to Sociology (SOAN 1000), Introduction to Anthropology (SOAN 1100) or Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory (SOAN 1110), Social/Cultural Theory (SOAN 4200), Senior Seminar in either Sociology or Anthropology (SOAN 4900 or 4910), and two elective courses in sociology/anthropology above the introductory level. Students pursuing this major will be given a specially adaptedcomprehensive examination by a committee of faculty from the two departments. Neither Heritage nor core topics courses count toward the combined major. A grade of C or higher is required for all courses counted toward the major.

 

Jewish Studies

Students with a substantial interest in Judaism are advised to take RLST 1000 Introduction to Religious Studies, RLST 2210 Introduction to Hebrew Bible, RLST 2160 Introduction to Judaism, an internship at a Jewish institution (RLST 4850), and one other course to be recommended by the Department of Religious Studies in accordance with the student's interests. Students are encouraged to take relevant courses offered by other departments such as HIST 2500 The Twice Promised Land. Students who wish to prepare for leadership in another religious community or who have a particular interest in studying another tradition should consult with the Department of Religious Studies faculty about appropriate courses to take.

 

Christian Education

An interdisciplinary study in Christian education is available to students. For specific requirements, contact the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies.