
Speaking with the Divine
Understanding the social significance and political function that asserting the power to speak with the divine has played in the past and continues today.
Discern the role of religion for individuals, cultures and societies in a context of free inquiry and critical examination.
Students of religion explore some of the most fascinating areas of the human experience. Among other questions, they inquire into the many understandings of reality and the many manifestations of sacred practice across cultures. Religion is a field of study that is both personally rewarding and highly relevant in its applications to the contemporary world.
Our students learn to discern the role of religion for individuals, cultures, and societies. They study and compare the myths, symbols, and rituals of various religious traditions in a context of free inquiry and critical examination. Through their studies they come to recognize the internal coherence and distinctiveness of diverse worldviews.
In keeping with the enormous changes in the world and the increasing controversy surrounding religious issues, the department seeks to provide students the opportunity to explore religious diversity in many different historic and contemporary forms, including religions of East and South Asia, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Habits of Mind
Through our curriculum, graduates learn to read closely, think critically, discuss insightfully, and write analytically. These skills are the heart of a liberal arts education. Our program of study prepares students for whatever educational and professional paths they may choose and builds their capacity to be lifelong learners.
Understanding the social significance and political function that asserting the power to speak with the divine has played in the past and continues today.
Seeking to understand both the unique histories of these groups and the patterns of development they may share.
Exploring the historical contexts and current realities of Muslim communities in the United States.
Offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of sustainability and religion in the context of an industrialized Asian country.
Exploring the methodological and theoretical frameworks that define the academic study of religion.
Associate Professor of Religion Studies Jessica Cooperman emphasizes the importance of primary documents to tell history and focus on the future.
The grant will support a public conversation about the College’s Lutheran affiliation and the values that have underpinned its development over the last 50 years.
The World Views speaker series is an opportunity to explore of various religions and cultural communities. This spring's events include World Hijab Day with Ruman Sadiq and the local Muslim community, Contemporary Quaker Tradition with Sharlee DiMenichi and Antisemitism: Past and Present with Hartley Lachter.
On November 5, Lorenzo Servitje will present his lecture “Culture as Infrastructure: Dracula, Zombies, and Contemporary Healthcare,” and the Wallenberg Tribute Dinner will honor the Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund for its community building and family support initiatives.
A proposed partnership between humanities faculty and the Career Center earned a Vocation Across the Academy Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges.