Religion Minor

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

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Image of Dome of the Rock an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Program Coordinator/Contact

A. James Murphy, Associate Professor of Religion and Associate Director
School of American and Global Studies
Lincoln Hall 131, Box 2212
605-688-4687

Program Information

Religion is a fundamental part of human societies globally, shaping law and politics, history, science, economics, the arts, education, and more. The Religion minor introduces students to the various historical and contemporary expressions of diverse religious traditions as a dimension of the human experience. Religion scholars examine the history, texts, artifacts, beliefs, values, behaviors, rituals, and social identities of a variety of the world’s religious traditions.

By its nature, the study of religious interdisciplinary in its approach and complements a number of majors in the humanities and science sciences such as anthropology, education, global studies, history, languages, legal studies, nursing, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. The knowledge and global perspectives, and skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication developed by completing a religion minor will add value to careers in these professions, help prepare them for graduate school, seminary, or a variety of church-related careers.

Students may also select an Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A./B.S.) with an emphasis on religion.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses online and face to face on campus and at various off-campus attendance centers.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Religion will be able to demonstrate:

Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem solving, and written communication.
Familiarity with widespread religious traditions.
An understanding of how religions affect and are affected by their cultural contexts.
How religions internally and externally reflect the diversity of the human experience.
An understanding and working knowledge of some of the critical methods used in the study of the Bible and other ancient texts.

Requirements for Religion Minor: 18 Credits

REL 250 - World Religions (COM) [SGR #4, HSDC] Credits: 3
Additional Religion Credits: 15