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 Religious
Studies
Professor
King, chair
Assistant Professor Gupta
(see also www.roxannegupta.com)
Lecturer Kelsey
Religious Studies explores the religious dimensions
of human experience around the world, as expressed in literary,
artistic, ritual, and symbolic forms. It focuses on how everyday
human thought and activities became part of a system of spiritual
meaning and formation.
Religious Studies at Albright focuses on the
interpretation of the religious cultures across the globe, from
ancient times to modern. The department offers specialized courses
in biblical studies, Christianity, Asian religions, American religions,
native traditions, goddesses, and spirituality.
Because Religious Studies is interdisciplinary
in nature, the department encourages combined concentrations and
individualized programs of study. Other departments in the College
(notably history, philosophy, literature, the arts, and the social
sciences) contribute a great deal to the understanding of religious
meaning, expression, and behavior.
The goal of all Religious Studies courses is
to equip students with the skills for understanding and appreciating
the faiths and cultures of other people, as well as their own, and
for identifying and interpreting for themselves the ultimate questions
that face human being.
Concentration
Requirements
Eight courses in Religious Studies are required
beyond the general studies requirement. Although there are no "core"
courses, concentrators will be expected to take courses from a diversity
of areas in Religious Studies. Senior concentrators must take REL
491, in which they will be expected to present a senior thesis or
project interpreting an issue in the study of human religion and
culture from the appropriate methodological perspectives. Concentrators
normally will be expected to take three to five related courses
(beyond general studies) in the areas of philosophy, history, literature,
the arts, or the social sciences.
The department welcomes students who wish to
pursue interdisciplinary work in conjunction with Religious Studies
through either a combined concentration or an individualized study
program. These students will be expected to complete REL 491. Courses
taken in Religious Studies to fulfill the general studies requirement
may be counted as part of the combined concentration or individualized
study program. The department especially encourages students to
consider interdisciplinary work in areas such as: religion and philosophy,
religion and human culture, religion and human behavior, religion
and literature, religion and communication, religion and the law,
or religion and the arts. More information on how such programs
might be structured is available from the Religious Studies department.
Pretheological
Students
Although pre-theological students need not concentrate
in Religious Studies, the study and practice of religion is vital
to their growth and maturation during college and is an integral
part of their preparation for seminary. Working together with the
College Chaplain, with campus religious organizations, and with
the wider religious community in Reading, the department of Religious
Studies seeks to encourage, counsel, and assist pre-theological
students in their personal and vocational journeys of faith.
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