Religion

Religion has always been an important part of human life and has greatly influenced much of the world's art, music, dance, and drama. The study of religion is really a study of what it means to be human; by examining our own rich cultural heritage and exploring other traditions, we can find a deeper basis for addressing the great moral and political problems of our time.

Courses that explore these various issues are offered in four areas:

1. The traditions of Asia and the West (particularly Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Native American);

2. Forms and problems common to many traditions (such as myth and ritual, mysticism, ethics);

3. The interplay between religious and other dimensions of culture (in issues of social and political concern, of religion and the arts, religion and gender).

4. How one defines and studies religious phenomena.

Advice to First-year students

Introductory Courses appropriate for Prospective Majors

You can begin anywhere you would like. No courses (except for 390 and 490, which are intended for senior majors) have pre-requisites; 200- and 300-level courses are as suitable as 100-level courses, depending on your interest. 100-level courses tend to be very broad, whereas 200- and 300-level courses have a more narrowly defined topic. Whatever course you take, you will be introduced to fundamental categories in the study of religion and will be better prepared for further explorations.

Introductory Courses which fulfill Distribution Requirements

Division I: any course offered by the department.

Comparative Civilization: Any courses concerned with Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, East Asian religions, or Native American religions.

Course Descriptions and Requirements for the Major and Minor: see www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/religion.html

New Course Descriptions: see www.dickinson.edu/departments/reg/