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Religion is an integral dimension of human existence. It touches some of people’s strongest emotions and appeals to people’s higher selves. It also is the cause of wars and oppression. Religion is expressed in art, literature, music, thought, emotion, text, ritual, drama, and dance. Students enjoy learning about cultures and religions that are different from their own and understanding more about their own beliefs at the same time.
Why
Study Religion at Iowa?
Iowa’s major in religious studies introduces students to a variety of traditions both past and present, from East to West. It encourages comparative study and critical thought. It does not promote certain religious beliefs; instead, it helps students understand the ultimate values of people who differ from them, whoever they are.
The study of religion is a study of diversity of thought. Iowa students from numerous national origins and with varied religious and moral beliefs enroll in religious studies courses, leading to interesting discussions. Learning to understand diversity is vital in a global economy.
Each year, thousands of Iowa students enroll in courses in the department. Courses such as Introduction to Islam; Religion and Society; Introduction to Buddhism; Quest for Human Destiny; and Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are popular every semester.
Some of the department’s courses fulfill requirements of the General Education Program. Many students choose religious studies as their major after taking a course to fulfill a General Education requirement. Other students decide to add religious studies as a second major or a minor.
Faculty
Religious studies faculty members represent a wide range of interests and teaching styles. Faculty members are dedicated teachers who continually update existing courses and develop new ones. In addition to introductory courses covering global religious culture, faculty also teach advanced courses in their particular interest areas, including Native American and African American religions, Judaism, religion and politics, religion and culture, and Asian religious thought and practice.
As vital partners in the department’s instructional work, graduate student teaching assistants lead discussion sections and occasionally teach their own courses based on research gathered for their graduate theses.
Course
Work
Students majoring in religious studies earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The BA requires a minimum of 120 semester hours (s.h.), including 30 s.h. for the major. You’ll take:
- Five courses in foundation studies, including two in Western religious traditions, two in Asian religious traditions, and one in theoretical and comparative studies in religion;
- Four courses in one of these concentration areas: Western religious traditions; Asian religious traditions; or religion, culture, and society; and
- Senior Seminar.
See Religious Studies in the UI General Catalog to learn more about the major and for information about graduating with honors or earning a minor in religious studies.
Language
Study
Some of the languages taught at the University are particularly useful in religious studies: Greek, Latin, some modern European languages, Japanese, Chinese, Sanskrit, and Hindi.
Careers
Most vocational opportunities in religion require further graduate study. If you don’t intend to enter a graduate program right after earning your BA, you may wish to earn a second major in an area with more readily available jobs, such as education, social work, business, or nursing. For additional career information, go to the American Academy of Religion web site.
Scholarships
Consult multiple sources for scholarship information, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, and departmental web sites.
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