• Analyze critically and evaluate Western and non-Western religions without a predisposition to defend or reject the claims of any particular faith.
• Develop an understanding of the nature of religion and its role in individual and social life.
• General studies is for students who have varied interests that cut across the usual departmental boundaries and wish to play a major role in deciding on a suitable curriculum of study.

MINOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

For a minor in religious studies, a student must take at least 18 semester hours of work, including the core and three courses from the required list of comparative religions.

CORE COURSES
— Philosophy of Religion
— Gods, Spirits, Witchcraft
— Sociology of Religion

ELECTIVES
The range of electives in religious studies is huge, and allows you to tailor your experience to your interests.

WESTERN RELIGIONS AND RELATED COURSES
— The Bible as Literature
— The Reformation
— Seminar in Religious Studies
— Origins of Culture and Civilization
— Shakespeare
— Chaucer and Medieval Literature
— Milton and English Literature of the 17th Century
— World Art History
— Introduction to Middle Eastern History
— Rome: Republic and Empire
— Radicals, Reformers, and Romantics: The Impact
— The Early Middle Ages, 330-1050
— The Later Middle Ages, 1050-1500
— Humanities in the Ancient World
— Mythology
— Humanities in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
— History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
— Nineteenth-Century Philosophy

NON-WESTERN RELIGIONS
— Foundations of Islamic Civilization
— Philosophies and Religions of India
— Philosophies and Religions of China and Japan
— Philosophy Seminar in Religious Studies
— India: History and Culture
— Introduction to East Asian Culture
— North American Indian History, Precontact to Present
— Civilization of Classical India
— Chinese Civilization
— Japanese Civilization
— Indians of the Northwest

COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
— The Bible as Literature
— Foundations of Islamic Civilization
— Philosophies and Religions of India
— Philosophies and Religions of China and Japan
— Seminar in Religious Studies

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Students can apply for University-level scholarships and more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

Graduates from the religious studies program can pursue careers and future study in international affairs, arts, humanities, social sciences, and intercultural studies.