Concentration in religious studies involves course work in RELS 1000 (junior seminar in methods in the study of religion) and seven other courses conforming to the following requirements.
Each student in consultation with appropriate faculty members devises a concentration program, which may include courses given outside the department. The student presents for approval by the concentration advisor a written statement of the objectives of his or her concentration program and a list of the component courses. The program is expected to encompass the study of at least one religious tradition from each of the following groups:
1. traditions that emerge from the ancient Mediterranean world;
2. traditions that emerge from classical South and East Asia.
It will take account of more than one approach to the study of religions, e.g., philosophical and historical. In addition to RELS 1000, at least two other courses in the concentration must be at the 1000-level.
No later than the end of spring registration in the junior year, the concentrator will designate an advanced departmental course (or senior thesis) as the capstone course for his or her concentration; this course will be selected in consultation with the concentration advisor and other faculty as appropriate. Within the frame of this capstone course, the concentrator will address in an appropriate way the theoretical and interpretive issues of the concentration focus.
A religious studies concentration with honors requires, in addition to RELS 1000 and seven other courses, an honors thesis (RELS 1999, during both semesters of the senior year). To receive honors, a student must have at least a high B in the concentration and an A on the thesis.
Students interested in graduate work in religious studies should include the study of French and German in their programs. In some fields, a knowledge of appropriate classical languages is also essential for advanced work. Students should start work in these languages as early as possible.
Students who study abroad, or who petition to include noncrosslisted Brown courses in their concentration, must complete at least five courses in religious studies.
Page last updated in February, 2008.