3510 Department of Religious Studies

17th floor, 25 Park Place
404-413-6110
religiousstudies.gsu.edu

Molly Bassett, Chair
Ashlyn Strozier, Director of Undergraduate Studies

Offerings in religious studies are taught from a non-sectarian perspective using an applied approach. Courses are taught on specific religious traditions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in addition to topics that evaluate religion’s role in the world around us. Students in religious studies learn how religion can be applied, engaged, and articulated through courses in religious thought, religious ethics, mysticism, women and religion, and other topics. Many courses explore specific contexts, such as the American South, disability, social change, religious movements, or social movements. Students majoring in religious studies are encouraged to explore interests that may engage other majors, and many courses may be crosslisted in other departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, including African-American studies, anthropology, art history, classics, history, music, political science, and sociology. Courses in religious studies contribute to an understanding of the beliefs and actions of diverse peoples and cultures, while contributing to students’ understanding of themselves. Students can apply religious studies to interdisciplinary conversations and concerns in addition to producing creative projects outside of traditional academic output. Religious studies courses are designed for students to apply religion in ways that make them marketable through the development of various types of writing (oral histories, memoirs, op-ed, position papers, and more). Equally important are the digital humanities application through podcasting, children’s books, docuseries, and Tedtalks.

The religious studies major is designed as a liberal arts degree with in-depth training that prepares students to apply and transfer skills. This is particularly appropriate for those students considering careers in government, health, law, education, international business, social work, the ministry, or media. Students in other fields are encouraged to consider the possibility of a double major with religious studies. Students majoring in religious studies have two required courses: 3270 and 3750. It is recommended that they are completed during sophomore or junior year and taking in sequence of 3270 then 3750. Both courses are offered annually, 3270 in the fall and 3750 in the spring. Students can find a more detailed description of the Religious Studies program and its offerings, as well as news about its faculty and upcoming events, online at religiousstudies.gsu.edu.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Religious Studies, B.A.

Dual Degree

Religious Studies, B.A.-M.A.

Minor

Religious Studies, Minor

Courses

Jewish Studies

JST 3500 - Jewish Studies Internship

Religious Studies