Welcome to Religious Studies at NDSU
Our program and courses examine religious traditions as historical and cultural phenomena. We offer a Religious Studies minor, general education courses, and electives.
100-level courses introduce students to the field of religious studies and major world religions. 200-level courses apply approaches of religious studies either to topics relevant to multiple traditions or to specific texts, rituals, or other cultural artifacts. 300-level courses offer in-depth examinations of religious traditions. 400-level courses require rigorous engagement with major approaches and theories of religious studies.
Objectives for the Minor in Religious Studies
- Cultivate foundational knowledge of the history, rituals, scriptures, and beliefs of major world religions.
- Critically interpret representations of religious movements and religious conflict found in popular culture, the arts, and news media.
- Analyze the complex historical, political, and cultural backgrounds of global and historical religious movements and conflicts.
- Comprehend how religion can foment both social justice and acts of violence, complacency and rebellion, liberation movements and imperialism, compassion and tyranny.
- Apply historical, anthropological, sociological, and literary methods to religious phenomena, including texts, images, material objects, institutions, theologies, and movements.
- Respectfully debate the role of religion in public life and politics.
Faculty
- Anne Blankenship
- Sean Burt
Requirements for the Religious Studies Minor
The minor requires 18 credits, 9 of which must be at the 300-400 level. RELS 100: World Religions is required. Courses taken at Concordia College or Minnesota State University-Moorhead may count toward the minor, subject to pre-approval by religious studies faculty. Courses relevant to Religious Studies within other NDSU departments may also be eligible, subject to pre-approval. A minimum of 9 credits must be taken at NDSU.
For advice on the distribution of the remainder of the electives consult with religious studies faculty, Anne Blankenship and/or Sean Burt.