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1. Basic problems in the study of religion (Area A). The intent is to
isolate a key problem in the study of religion and to examine critically a
representative sample of the kinds of data that give rise to the problem and
the sorts of answers that have been proposed.
2. Basic strategies in the interpretation of religion (Area B). One or
more fundamental approaches to the study of religion is carried through a given
body of religious materials with rigor and criticism.
3. Basic issues in the self-interpretation of religion (Area C). A study
of those texts whereby a religious tradition interprets itself to its community
and to those who are outside the tradition.
4. Religious literature and expression (Area D). The focus is on
specific religious texts or artifacts and techniques for their
interpretation.
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Other Courses in the Program. Students are required to take one Western and
one non-Western civilizational sequence (or their equivalents) in order to gain
appreciation for the problems of interpreting religion within a wider
historical and cultural setting. One of these sequences may be used to fulfill
the College's Common Core requirements. In addition to the four basic courses,
students, with the approval of the program coordinator, select at least five
courses from the wide range of College and graduate courses regularly offered
on some aspect of religion. Some of these may be independent study. At least
three of these courses must represent concentration in either a particular
religious tradition or in a coherent set of problems in the study of religion.
Finally, each student submits a senior project to be developed in consultation
with the program coordinator. For students eligible for honors in the program,
this project usually takes the form of a research paper developed in
consultation with the program coordinator.
Summary of Requirements
General Civilization sequence (may be Western
Education or non-Western)
Concentration 3 civilization sequence (Western or non-Western, whichever
was not taken for Common Core requirement)
4 courses, one in each of the four basic areas
5 courses in religion (three of which must represent an area of
concentration)
- senior project
12 (total)
JONATHAN Z. SMITH, Robert O. Anderson Distinguished Service Professor of the
Humanities, Committee on the History of Culture, and the College; Program
Coordinator, Religion & the Humanities
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Religion and the Humanities
Program Coordinator: Jonathan Z. Smith, HM 403, 702-6022
Program of Study
The aims of the program in religion and the humanities are (1) the
understanding of religion as one of humankind's primary responses to and
expressions of the human condition and (2) an appreciation of the difficulties
and possibilities inherent in undertaking a critical, disciplined study of
religion. The location of the program within the Humanities Collegiate Division
and its use of courses from a variety of programs imply that neither the study
of religion nor its data are the privileged possession of a single discipline.
The basic courses, being problem oriented, imply that there is an intellectual
tradition of the study of religion that must be mastered.
Program Requirements
Basic Courses. All students in the program are required to take a one-quarter
course in each of four areas that serve as a disciplined base for further work.
These areas emphasize either key methodological questions in the academic study
of religion or characteristic religious data. No fewer than two of these areas
must be fulfilled by taking courses within the religion and the humanities
program; up to two of these areas may be fulfilled by taking courses offered by
other programs. Any variation requires the written consent of the program
coordinator. The four basic areas are as follows:
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Faculty
ANNE CARR, Professor, the Divinity School and the College