Religious Studies Major
Major Requirements
Analytic Frameworks and Tools (AFT): Approaches to the Study of Religion
AFT courses provide an introduction to the analytic frameworks and tools used in the academic study of religion.
Complete two 100-level Religious Studies courses.
AFT courses should be taken as early as possible in the major and before the senior year.
Applied Religious Studies (ARS)
ARS courses provide an opportunity to apply the analytical frameworks and tools of the field to the exploration of particular religious phenomena, topics, and traditions. They enable students to hone their analytical skills while gaining breadth and depth in Religious Studies.
Complete six courses from the following:
- Any 200-level Religious Studies courses
- Any 300-level Religious Studies courses, except REL 312 and REL 314
- Any Short Term Religious Studies courses
- FYS 445 The Nature of Spirituality
At least two of the six courses must be at the 300-level.
Areas of Study
Of the two AFT and six ARS courses, students must complete at least one designated course from each of the following Areas of Study:
Courses that have more than one designation may only count towards one of the areas of study. This requirement must be met by four distinct courses.
Religious Studies Research Seminar
The Religious Studies Research Seminar serves as a culminating course for students majoring in Religious Studies. It provides a small group setting in which students write and discuss a series of essays on a topic of their choice as a way of reviewing various methods, theories and approaches to the study of religion that they have learned over the course of their major. Through weekly meetings, discussions, written peer reviews of one another’s research, bibliographical work and writing, the seminar enables students to recognize themselves and each other as emerging scholars within the field of Religious Studies.
Complete the following course:
- REL 450 Religious Studies Research Seminar
Thesis
The thesis represents a capstone academic experience in a Religious Studies major’s scholarly career at Bates. In close consultation with one or more members of the Religious Studies faculty, each student develops a thesis topic, determines the method(s) by which to explore their topic, and chooses a format for their project (e.g., multi-chapter academic essay, scientific/social scientific report, long-form popular journal essay, performance piece, etc). Religious Studies values collaboration and interdisciplinarity; we welcome and actively support double majors seeking to complete a combined thesis or other complementary capstone project. Further information about the Religious Studies thesis requirement may be found on the Religious Studies department website.
Completing a senior thesis in Religious Studies is optional for double majors completing a [W3] in their other major.
Complete one course from the following:
Students pursuing an honors thesis take both REL 457 and REL 458.
Courses Taken Outside of Bates
The department strongly encourages study abroad, and students may petition to count up to two credits earned abroad toward the major.
Pass/Fail
Pass/Fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the major.
Declaration Restrictions
Students who have declared the Religious Studies major may not declare the following:
- Religious Studies minor
- Religious Studies (C001) concentration
Other Considerations
None.