Course in - Religious Studies

Religious Studies is a humanistic and social-scientific discipline that provides windows onto a wide range of cultural phenomena and contemporary social questions. It explores religion as a foundational element in all cultures while drawing together – and providing opportunities to sharpen one’s skills in – multiple methods of study, including those associated with the history, literature, ethnography, political science, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, natural sciences, cultural studies, and theology. Majors and minors are encouraged to explore how their studies in other fields intersect with religious studies questions, concerns, and methods.

Religious studies majors work closely with members of the department in designing their program of study and their thesis project. Although the Senior Research Seminar and Thesis are the only courses required of every major, all majors a) take courses at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels; b) gain breadth and depth in their understanding of a variety of religious traditions and practices, and c) develop skills in a wide array of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion. The department strongly encourages study abroad, and students may petition to count up to two credits earned abroad toward the major or minor. More information on the religious studies curriculum is available on the website (bates.edu/religion).

Since its founding in 1855, Bates College has welcomed men and women from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds.

A private, highly selective, residential college devoted to undergraduate study in the liberal arts, Bates has always stood firmly for the ideals of academic rigour, intellectual curiosity, egalitarianism, social justice and freedom. Bates is recognized for its inclusive social character and progressive tradition and is rightly celebrated as one of the first U.S. institutions of higher learning to admit women and people of colour.

All activities, resources, and facilities have always been open to all members of the Bates community. Bates does not believe in — and has never allowed on campus and will never allow — organizations such as fraternities or sororities that exclude people.