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RELG 1010: Introduction to Religion
3 credits
Survey of religion and of the major world religions.
Undergraduate
Religious Studies, Minor
Explore religion as a prominent component of human life and culture.
“All of my professors, whether they teach philosophy or religion, have made me feel like a scholar rather than just a student. They really care about having deep conversations.”
Mary Boyle (B.A. in Philosophy with an emphasis in Religious Studies)
About the Minor in Religious Studies
The Department of Philosophy and Religion in the College of Liberal Arts offers the minor in Religious Studies. It is the academic study of religion, which aims to understand sympathetically, yet critically, the world’s religions. Students explore the phenomenon of religion itself as a prominent component of human life and culture. Religious studies at UM is non-sectarian and without ties to any theological seminary or church body.
The Value of a Religious Studies Minor
Religious Studies cultivates skills such as critical thinking, textual analysis, debating skills, curiosity, open-mindedness, ethics, decision making, and understanding other cultures and ways of life.
Religious Studies minors have pursued career paths in conflict resolution, religious training, non-profit work, law, medicine, education, business, corporate training, public relations, journalism, counseling, social services, and more.
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Program Information
Degree
Required Credit Hours
18
Program Type
Minor
Program Location
School
What are some courses you will take to earn a Religious Studies Minor?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Minor in Religious Studies. See all Religious Studies courses.
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RELG 1020: Introduction to Asian Religions
3 credits
This course introduces students to the religious and philosophical traditions arising from India, China, and Japan, which include Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism. The course does not require previous knowledge of Asian languages or history, and provides a convenient starting point for those who want to explore Asian cultures.
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RELG 1030: Intro to Judaism, Christianity and Islam
3 credits
This course offers students an introductory overview of the beliefs, traditions, and practices of the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In addition to a survey of the historical development of each of these religions, the course will address, from a comparative perspective, several larger themes relevant to all three, including theology, sacred texts, ritual, violence, and sexuality. This course has no prerequisites and requires no prior familiarity with the respective religions.
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RELG 3190: The Book of Job
3 credits
This course introduces students to the Book of Job and explores the connection between religiosity, material success, and suffering.
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RELG 3220: Jesus and the Gospels
3 credits
This course is an advanced investigation of the Jesus tradition, focusing on the portrayal of Jesus in both canonical and noncanonical Gospels, as well as the scholarly search for the historical Jesus.
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RELG 3690: Religion and Film
3 credits
This course explores religious issues through the visual narrative of film. Methodologies from film studies and religious studies are utilized to analyze such themes as tragedy and suffering, truth and justice, beauty and love, sacrifice and redemption in domestic and international cinema.
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Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
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