Major Page

Program Offerings

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offers students the opportunity to explore deep-rooted values and ideals that play a role in shaping the world, its people, and cultures.

• The Religious Studies major allows students to engage primary historical texts and modern scholarly writings; ancient and modern religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; and the impact of these traditions on the arts and popular culture.

• Classes offered include Comparative Religions; introductory and advanced courses on the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament; upper-level courses on Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam; and religion and film. The major culminates in a comprehensive examination and thesis. Click here for a full listing of classes offered in Religious Studies.

• Click here for more information on why students should consider studying religion at Doane College, as well as how we understand the academic study of religion.

Major/Minor Combinations

Students are strongly encouraged to combine a Religious Studies major with another major at Doane, in any of the college's disciplines. Strong combinations include sociology, English, education, or a foreign language.  The Religious Studies minor can also be fruitfully combined with numerous other majors/minors in order to broaden the student's exposure to and engagement with other cultures and religious traditions.

Students

Approximately 10-15 students are involved in the program each year.

Personal Attention

• Introductory courses average 20-25 students
• Advanced courses range from 5-15 students

Requirements for a Religious Studies Major and Minor

Requirements for the Religious Studies Major

Complete the following 33 credits:
1. PRE 115
2. One of the following classes: PRE 120, 121
3. Fifteen credits in Religious Studies, two of which must be at the 400 level, excluding RST 495
4. One of the following classes: PHI 110, 111
5. Two of the following 3-credit classes: PHI 210, 315, 310, 311, 371, 411, 471
6. RST 495

Requirements for the Religious Studies Minor

Complete the following 18 credits:
1. PRE 115
2. One of the following classes: PRE 120, 121
3. Six credits in Religious Studies at the 300 or 400 level