The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Requirements: 48 units

See General Education Requirements in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See "Diversity Requirement" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Requirements.

U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: 6 units

See "U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements". This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155 or approved equivalents. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.

Literacy Requirement:

See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 37 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Major Core Program: 13 units

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 100	Judaism, Christianity, Islam	3.0	FS	GE
An analysis of the religions of the West: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008129)
RELS 110	Asian Religions	3.0	FS	GE GC
An introduction to the religions of the East: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (008128)
RELS 281	Library Research Methods in Religious Studies	1.0	SP
An introduction to the tools used in doing research, writing papers, and preparing presentations in religious studies. Topics include sources of information using the library's electronic tools to gather information, assessing internet resources, citation formats, copyright laws, and ethical standards in research and writing. 1 hour lecture. (008198)
RELS 322	Religion in America	3.0	FA
This course is also offered as AMST 322. An introduction to the variety of religious expressions in the history of the United States. The course explores the impact of religion on American society and examines how religion has shaped and been shaped by American ideals, values, and institutions. Topics include the interplay of European and indigenous religious traditions, religious freedom, the historical roots of religious trends such as pluralism and fundamentalism, and the contributions of ethnic minorities to the contemparary religious landscape. 3 hours discussion. (000405)
RELS 480	Theories and Criticisms of Religion	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: RELS 100 or RELS 110 or faculty permission. A study of the history, theories, and methods of religious studies as a scholarly and academic discipline, with emphasis on the biographical and historical contexts of significant contributors to the discipline and their classic works. Topics include secular vs. religious approaches to the study of religion and the contrast between religious insiders' and outsiders' perspectives; alternative theories of the origins and functions of religion; and debates over whether religion is a positive or a negative influence in the lives of inindividuals and social groups. 3 hours seminar. (008191)

Writing Proficiency Course: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 482	Seminar in Religious Studies	3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher; concurrent enrollment or prior completion of RELS 281 and RELS 480. Readings and research on selected topics in religious studies. Content varies. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (008200)
RELS 497	Tutorial in Religious Studies	3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, faculty permission. This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Individually directed projects in religious studies. 9 hours supervision. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (008209)

Students must take RELS 497 for 3.0 units to meet the Writing Proficiency requirement.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 499H	Senior Honors Research Paper		3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, RELS 480 (may be taken concurrently). To provide students accepted for "Honors in the Major" an opportunity to prepare and write a research paper on topics germane to their interests developed during the first three years of work in religious studies. Research and writing will be done under supervision of a staff advisor for a total of 6 units in two semesters. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (008212)

World Traditions: 6 units

1 course selected from:

Western Traditions:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 107	Bible Controversies	3.0	FS	GE
This course considers the disputes over the interpretation of the Bible in Western culture. Did Moses and the prophets write the Hebrew Bible? Was the Bible intended as scripture, myth, or history? Why were books left out of the Bible? What are the differences between Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Protestant approaches to the Bible? In adition to examining books of the Bible in their original context, this course considers the Bible's role in ancient and contemporary disputes over the Sabbath, heaven and hell, the resurrection, the law, circumcision, divorce, the Trinity, salvation, slavery, polygamy, abortion, homosexuality, and feminism. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008131)
RELS 202	Islam	3.0	FS	GE GC
This course is also offered as HIST 261, MEST 261. An introduction to Islam as a religious and cultural system. Topics include pre-Islamic Arabia, the Prophet Muhammad and the first Muslims, the Qur'an and shari'a, basic ritual practices, mysticism, theology and philosophy, Shi'ism, the visual and musical arts, women, modernism, "fundamentalism," and Islam in the USA. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004515)
RELS 204	Judaism	3.0	FS	GE USD
This course is also offered as MJIS 204. History of Judaism from biblical to modern times. A study of the literature, faith, and events that shaped Jewish life. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (005860)
RELS 205	History of the Jewish Peoples	3.0	FA	GE USD
This course is also offered as MJIS 205. Traces of the historical development of a variety of Jewish sects, denominations, and cultures found in the Middle East, northern Africa, Europe, and North America from antiquity to modernity, with special emhasis on contemporary Jewish communities in the United States. Rituals, beliefs, and textual traditions that relate to the history of Judaism are surveyed, and the phenomenon of secular Judiasm are explored. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (020675)
RELS 207	Christianity	3.0	FS	GE
An introduction to the basic features of the Christian worldview through an anlysis of its historical, ritual, doctrinal, ethical, and social-institutional dimensions. Special attention will be given to the diverse expressions of Christianity in different times and places and to its impact on human history, society, and culture. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008145)
RELS 301	Greek Myth and Ritual	3.0	INQ
An introduction to Greek mythology and its ancient Near Eastern parallels. The course focuses on the analysis of ancient Greek art and literature (including epic, hymns, lyric poetry, tragedy, and historiography). Topics explored include dying and rising gods, athletics and warfare, hospitality and gift exchange, initiation rituals and the afterlife, and the sex and gender roles of men and women. In addition, students consider Roman, Jewish, and Christian approaches to Greek myth and explore the impact of myth on modern art and film. 3 hours discussion. (008135)
RELS 302	Muhammad and the Qur'an	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as MEST 302. This course introduces students to the sacred scripture and prophet of Islam. Students study the biography of Muhammad (570-632) and the text of the Qur'an by situating it within the context of Muhammad's life and career. By the end of the course, students are able to appreicate how devout Muslims view Muhammad and the Qur'an, as well as ask critical questions raised by modern scholars of religion. 3 hours lecture. (020263)
RELS 303	Hebrew Bible	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as MJIS 303. An introduction to the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament of Christianity and the Tanakh of Judaism) in English translation. Readings from the Pentateuch, the prophetic books, and the hagiographa. The course emphasizes the analysis of the biblical books in their ancient Near Eastern contexts, the documentary hypotheses, Israelite history and religion, the formation of the biblical canon, and early Jewish and Christian scriptural interpretation. 3 hours lecture. (005858)
RELS 305	Rabbinic Judaism: Talmud/Midrash	3.0	SP
This course is also offered as MJIS 305. An introduction to the thought, texts, and culture of Rabbinic Judaism in the first through sixth centuries. Students become familiar with the historical and cultural background of classical Rabbinic society, from its origins in the Pharisaic movement in Palestine (Eretz Israel) to its pinnacle in the academies of Sassanid Babylonia. This course explores the oral-literary tradition that produced the Talmud and Midrash while allowing students to experience the dialectical style of study associated with Rabbinic culture. 3 hours lecture. (020503)
RELS 307	New Testament	3.0	INQ
This course covers the books of the Christian New Testament in the context of ancient Judaism and the world of the ancient Mediterranean. Who wrote the gospels and the epistles? Is there anti-Jewish prejudice in the New Testament? This class explores how Jesus was depicted, inquires whether the new Testament promotes or opposes Gnosticism, explains why the Christian apocrypha are not accepted as scripture, and also considers the relationship between the early Christian movement and ancient Greek mystery religions, the Dead Sea Scroll sect, Hellenistic Judaism, and/or Enoch traditions. 3 hours seminar. (008141)
RELS 407	History of Christian Thought	3.0	INQ
Survey of major themes in Christian theology from the 2nd century to the present. Emphasis is on important figures and the circumstances under which major Christian doctrines, traditions, and ideas emerged and developed. Topics include the identity of Jesus, the Trinity, sin and salvation, and the nature of the church. 3 hours lecture. (008143)

1 course selected from:

Asian Traditions:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 210	Chinese Religions	3.0	INQ
An exploration of the religious dimension of Chinese culture, with special attention to such figures as Lao Tzu, Confucius, and Mencius. 3 hours seminar. (008175)
RELS 212	Hinduism	3.0	FA	GE GC
A survey of Hinduism from its origins to the modern day, including philosophy, literature, popular temple worship, the role of feminine power, and modern fundamentalist and communal movement. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (008181)
RELS 213	Buddhism	3.0	FS	GE GC
A discussion of the roots and transformation of the Buddhist teachings in India, China, Japan, and Tibet. Special emphasis will be given to major trends and problems in contemporary Buddhism. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (008180)

Religion, Society, and Culture: 6 units

6 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 264	Dying, Death, and Afterlife	3.0	FS	GE
A study of the religious, ethical, spiritual, psychological, and socio-cultural dimensions of dying, death, and afterlife. Reading and discussion of issues surrounding dying (dying as one's last career, patient-centered approaches, spirit/body relationships); death (definitions, religious meanings, ritual practices); and afterlife (religious conceptions, relation to the human quest for meaning). 3 hours seminar. This is an approved General Education course. (004443)
RELS 265	CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien	3.0	INQ
This course explores mythology and fiction through an analysis of the fantasy and science fiction works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Do Judaism and Christianity have a mythology comparable to that of other cultures? What do the works of Lewis and Tolkien tell us about our own time and the issues our civilization faces? Topics include the nature and origin of evil, the seductions of technolgoy and control, the place of earth in the cosmos, the purpose and origin of humankind and the universe, and the nature of God in the face of evil. 3 hours discussion. (008156)
RELS 331	Center for Applied and Professional Ethics (CAPE) Forum	1.0	FS
This course is also offered as PHIL 331. An introduction to current ethical issues facing individuals, institutions, and society. Students attend regularly scheduled CAPE forums, symposia, and seminars and do appropriate reading and writing in conjunction with sessions. 1 hour lecture. (007236)
RELS 332	World Religions and Global Issues	3.0	FS	GE GC
An introduction to major religions of the contemporary world (Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Chinese religions) with particular emphasis on their relationship to pressing global issues, including economics and poverty, environmental issues, war and peace, and human rights. Explores a number of religious traditions that are closely identified with specific ethnic groups in this country. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (008190)
RELS 343	Wealth, Power, and Justice	3.0	SP	GE
What is the proper attitude toward wealth and poverty? Do the rich have an obligation to help the poor? How should we balance a commitment to human equality and to individual liberty? How are we to determine whether a society's distribution of wealth and power is just or unjust? What methods constitute legitimate means of achieving social change? This course explores alternative religious perspectives on these and other ethical questions that arise in connection with contemporary social, political, and economic life. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008167)
RELS 346	Ethical Conflicts and Religious Values	3.0	FS	GE
What role does religion play in contemporary debates about ethics and morality in modern pluralistic societies? Topics may include abortion, capital punishment, assisted suicide, war and peace, environmental destruction, sex, and world hunger and poverty, as well as the conflicts between secular and religious world views. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008158)
RELS 347	Cross-Cultural Environmental Ethics	3.0	FS	GE
A cross-cultural and historical investigation of the ways that religious and secular worldviews and ethics influence attitudes, behaviors, and policies toward the environment. Attention is given to Biblical, Native American, Confucian, Taoist, and feminist perspectives on nature. Topics include an analysis of the modern consumer lifestyle and its impact on the environment, the value of wilderness, mainstream and radical environmentalism, and contemporary policy issues. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008159)
RELS 348	Jesus, Buddha, and Marx: A Study in Comparative Ethics	3.0	FA
This course explores how Christians, Buddhists, and Marxists have sought to answer questions about the nature and goals of human life and about the methods of individual and social transformation. Attention will be given to the diversity of ethical perspectives in the traditions on such topics as the human good, the ideal society, political and economic life, war and peace, the family, the meaning of freedom, and the nature of salvation. 3 hours discussion. (008165)
RELS 357	End of the World	3.0	FS	GE
This course introduces students to the ways in which historic and contemporary religious communities interpret catastrophes and how religious worlds explain and provide humans with tools to cope with catastrophes and with making meaning out of suffering and death. Focus is on visions of the end of the world (apocalypticism, environmental destruction), interpreting the meaning of disasters (natural, human-induced), and personal and global annihilation (epidemics, nuclear destruction). 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008166)
RELS 358	Religion in American Public Schools	3.0	FS
An introduction to the major world religions and an analysis of legal, intellectual, and educational issues that arise in connection with the study of religions in American public schools. 3 hours lecture. (008168)
RELS 365	Religion and Film	3.0	SP
An examination of the representation of religious concerns and meaning in modern film. Utilizing resources developed in religious traditions and in the field of religious studies, the course examines themes central to the human condition such as selfhood, religious conviction, despair, redemption, and race and ethnicity. 3 hours lecture. (008149)
RELS 366	Mysticism: East and West	3.0	SP
A comparative study of mysticism from both historical and thematic perspectives. Major figures and traditions (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) will be reviewed as well as current theoretical debates in the study of mysticism. 3 hours seminar. (008185)
RELS 369	Religion and Sexuality	3.0	FS
A cross-cultural study of the ways religious world views, institutions, and rituals shape views of human sexuality. Topics inlcude sacred sexuality; religious asceticism; the regulation of reproductive sexuality; religious perspectives on homosexuality; the role of religion in constructing gender identity and the special ritual role of "third" genders in some cultural communities; and critiques of religious perspective on sexuality from feminist and queer communities. 3 hours lecture. (020224)
RELS 375	Women and Religion	3.0	FS	GE
This course is also offered as WMST 375. Analysis of the images, roles, and experiences of women in world religions in historical and contemporary contexts. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (008152)
RELS 381	Sociology of Religion	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as SOCI 327. This course explores the impact of religion on the individual and society, and surveys the major developments in the field. This includes interactive relationships between religion and other social institutions, and debates on controversial issues. 3 hours lecture. (008184)
RELS 392	Contemporary Religious Thought	3.0	INQ
See description under RELS 491. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (008160)
RELS 475	Feminist Theology	3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: RELS 375 or WMST 375. This course is also offered as WMST 475. A study of the development of feminist theology in Christian, Jewish, and other religious traditions over the past 30 years. Examines feminist theological analysis of religious symbols, texts, rituals, beliefs, and practices in the U.S. and international contexts. 3 hours seminar. (008199)
RELS 491	Contemporary Religious Thought	3.0	INQ
RELS 392 and RELS 491: Selected topics in contemporary religious thought. Content varies. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (008161)

Note: A maximum of 3 units of any modern foreign language study at the third-semester college level or beyond, or any 3 units of college-level ancient or classical language study, will be credited toward the 6-unit requirement for this category.

Religion and the Americas: 3 units

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 304	Judaism in America	3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as MJIS 304. An exploration of the forces influencing, and the important events in, the emergence of Judaism in America. Attention is given to issues of community identity and the interaction of Judaism with the larger culture in the context of society and politics in America. 3 hours discussion. (005859)
RELS 324	Religion and America's Ethnic Minorities	3.0	FS	GE USD
This course is also offered as MCGS 324. An exploration of the religions which inform America's ethnic minorities. The historical, cultural, and social experiences and values of Native American, Hispanic American, African American, Pacific Islander, and Asian American ethnic minority groups will be examined. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (005643)
RELS 325	Worldviews of American Indians	3.0	INQ	USD
This course is also offered as AIST 325. A description and analysis of selected American Indian religions and philosophies of American Indian peoples of North America. The course will emphasize the Indians' spiritual relationship with nature as depicted in ceremonies, music, literature, and oral traditions. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (000384)

Electives: 6 units

6 units selected from:

Choose 6 units from any Religious Studies (RELS) courses listed above or from the following electives.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ANTH 377	Anthropology of the Islamic World	3.0	INQ
This course examines Muslim cultures in the daily, national and global contexts in which Islam is practiced. Students read ethnography, fiction, history, and poetry in order to appreciate, respect and understand contemporary Islamic cultures. 3 hours lecture. (020635)
RELS 180	Introduction to Religion	3.0	FS	GE
What is religion? How do we recognize it? Are there functions religions characteristically serve or questions they characteristically ask? Are there characteristic answers? Are there secular religions? How do various cultures approach the category of "religion"? This course explores diverse religious beliefs and practices in light of classic and contemporary analyses from several disciplinary fields. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008130)
RELS 198	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	INQ
Special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 3 hours lecture. (008134)
RELS 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	INQ
Special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 3 hours seminar. (008196)
RELS 489	Internship in Religious Stud	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. Enrollment will be determined by permission of the Department of Religious Studies. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (008208)
RELS 498	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	INQ
Special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 3 hours lecture. (008210)

The following course may also be used as an elective in the RELS major:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
PHIL 204	Reason and Religion		3.0	FS	GE
Philosophical analysis of various approaches to the problems of religious belief, such as faith and knowledge, the existence and nature of God, immortality, and the problem of evil. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007201)

Supervision Courses

All supervision courses require faculty permission.

A maximum of 3 units of the supervision courses may be counted toward the major, though it is not necessary to take any. Additional units must be requested by petition. (If RELS 497 is taken to fulfill the writing proficiency requirement, a maximum of 6 units of supervision courses will be counted toward the major.)

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 391	Reading in Religious Studies	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. (008192)
RELS 497	Tutorial in Religious Studies	3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, faculty permission. This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Individually directed projects in religious studies. 9 hours supervision. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (008209)
RELS 499H	Senior Honors Research Paper	3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, RELS 480 (may be taken concurrently). To provide students accepted for "Honors in the Major" an opportunity to prepare and write a research paper on topics germane to their interests developed during the first three years of work in religious studies. Research and writing will be done under supervision of a staff advisor for a total of 6 units in two semesters. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (008212)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.