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GETTING ORIENTED: FOR ENTERING STUDENTS (PDF)

Undergraduate Concentration in Religious Studies

Thomas A. Lewis, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Matthew C. Bagger, Undergraduate Advisor for Seniors

The undergraduate concentration (major) in religious studies at Brown enables students to gain breadth and depth in their studies, both in terms of methodologies and traditions. The concentration equips students to develop expertise in interpreting diverse religious traditions in their historical settings.  It also enables students to develop critical perspectives on a wide range of normative and ethical issues that emerge in the study of religion. 

Concentration in Religious Studies involves course work in Religious Studies 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 R. S. 1000, at least 2 Intermediate-level courses (0200-0999) and 1 1000-level course in addition to RS 1000.  This would mean that no more than 4 courses (out of 8: half the concentration) could be at the introductory 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.

Honors

A Religious Studies concentration with Honors requires, in addition to RS 1000 and seven other courses, an Honors thesis (Religious Studies 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 non-crosslisted Brown courses in their concentration, must complete at least five courses in Religious Studies.