Religious Studies at WashU
As a major source of inspiration and meaning in human societies, Religion creates controversy throughout the world. Fast-moving forces of globalization, migration, and technology bring diverse communities into closer proximity, often creating new religious communities in the process. The Religious Studies Program at Washington University gives students the opportunity to use their study of diverse religions to examine past and current events with an open, critical mind.
Religious Studies covers a wide range of subjects. It can include religion and politics, both domestically and globally; religion and music; unbelief; religion and literature; scriptural studies; and the role of religion in issues like race and climate change. As such, Religious Studies embraces the disciplinary and interdisciplinary complexity of this research. Courses offered by our program are taught by faculty in a variety of disciplines and areas, including The Danforth Center on Religion and Politics; Anthropology; Classics; East Asian Languages and Cultures; English; History; Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies; Music; and Political Science.
A major in Religious Studies will help you understand and appreciate the complex ways in which religious traditions inform human thought and behavior. A double major or a minor will enhance studies ranging from politics and law to business and medicine as you learn how religion informs the behavior of people and societies. So whether you are interested in preparing for the advanced academic study of religion, seeking to complement another area of study, or simply feel the need to acquire a greater knowledge of religions, a major or minor in Religious Studies will prepare you for living and working in a pluralistic society and an increasingly, global culture.
