Religious Studies - Department of World Languages & Cultures - The University of Utah

Religious Studies - Department of World Languages & Cultures - The University of Utah
Skip to content
Search Campus
Religious Studies
Everyone can study religion:
Believe it
or Not!
Use tools from many academic fields to study religion, one of the most universal,
varied, compelling, and world-shaping forces of human experience.
Religious Studies students will both analyze from the outside many of the world’s
religions and their role in society and culture, and study critically and open-mindedly
the experiences and beliefs of people within those religions. Our interdisciplinary
major and minor let students choose electives from across the university so they can
explore the traditions, practices, literature, theories, and academic approaches which
fascinate them most.
Questions?
Contact Director of Religious Studies, Brandon Peterson (
brandon.peterson@utah.edu
) or our academic advisors (
wlc-advising@utah.edu
Early Christian Literature
Biblical Hebrew Poetry
Qur'anic Studies
Philosophy of Religion
Muslim-Americans in the US
Ancient Myth and Religion
Traditional Asian Medicine
Classical Chinese Philosophy
Sociology of Religion
Spirituality in Social Work
Baroque Art in Europe
Myth, Magic & Religion
Arts of Buddhism
God, Love, and Mysticism
Mormonism and the
American Experience
Native American Religion
Religions of India
Islam and Politics
World Religions
Medieval England
Sex and the Bible
Global Islam
The Bible as Literature
Academic Catalog
Internships
Learning Abroad
Upcoming Events
Alumni Spotlights
Major
Minor
Approved Courses
Career
Opportunities
Faculty
Religious Studies Major (BA)
The Religious Studies (RELS) Major consists of a minimum of 31 credit hours of course
work.   This includes: four (4) Required Courses (12 credits), six (6) Upper Division
Enrichment Courses selected from our
approved course list (18 credits), and one WLC Signature Practicum Experience (1 or
more credits)
.  Students must pass all class requirements with a "C-" or better. Of the 31 credit
hours at least 21 must be taken at the U of U (including Faculty-Led Learning Abroad
programs).
Exceptions to the major requirements are made at the discretion of the Program Director.
Any questions? Please contact the Religious Studies Program Director, Professor Brandon
Peterson, at
brandon.peterson@utah.edu
or the WLC Department Academic Advisors at
wlc-advising@utah.edu
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS-pre fall 2025
icon
WLC Practicum Options
Religious Studies Minor
The Religious Studies (RELS) Minor consists of 18 credit hours of course work.   This
includes: two (2) Required Courses (6 credits) and four (4) Upper Division Enrichment
Courses (12 credits) selected from our
pproved Course list
.  Students must pass all class requirements with a "C-" or better.
Exceptions to the minor requirements are made at the discretion of the Program Director.
Any questions? Please contact the Religious Studies Program Director, Professor Brandon
Peterson, at
brandon.peterson@utah.edu
or the WLC Department Academic Advisors at
wlc-advising@utah.edu
Minor requirements-post fall 2025
MINOR REQUIREMENTS-pre Fall 2025
Approved Courses
Students may suggest courses other than those already listed for approval (email
wlc-advising@utah.edu
before registering for the class to ask for pre-approval).
Two lower-division transfer courses from Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) may be
approved for the Religious Studies major. One lower-division transfer course from
SLCC may be approved for the Religious Studies minor. Please contact
wlc-advising@utah.edu
for details.
2026-2027
Core
RELS 2640
- 001 World Religions
RELS 3510
- 001 Intro to Buddhism
RELS 3742
- 001 Medieval Christian Thought
RELS 3900
- 001/PERS 4325 Muslim-Americans in US
RELS 3900
- 002 Religion and Authority
RELS 3900
- 005/HEBR 3880 The Jewish Experience
Electives
ARTH 3060
- 001 Arts of Buddhism
ARTH 3250
- 001 Baroque Art Europe
HIST 3130
- 001 Tudor-Stuart Britain
HIST 3910
- 001 Islam & Intellectual Hist
HIST 4400
- 090 Introduction to Islam
PHIL 3600
- 001 Phil Of Religion
RELS 3900
- 003 Asian Medicine
RELS 3510
- 001 Intro to Buddhism
RELS 3742
- 001 Medieval Christian Thought
RELS 3900
- 001/PERS 4325 Muslim-Americans in US
RELS 3900
- 002 Religion and Authority
RELS 3900
- 005/HEBR 3880 The Jewish Experience
2025-2026
Core
RELS 2640 World Religions (IR)
CL CV 1550
Classical Mythology (HF)
CLCS 4325/ PERS 4325  Muslim-Americans in US (DV)
RELS 3510
- 001 Intro to Buddhism
RELS 3900
- 001
Difference & Dialogue
Electives
ARAB 4880
- 001 Mdrn Middle East Lit
ARTH 3180
- 001 Islamic Art of the Book
ARTH 4195-001 Sem:Ancient/Medieval
HIST 3080
- 001
The Renaissance
HIST 3910
- 001
The Ottoman Empire 1300-1923
HIST 3910
- 004
The Mughal Empire
HIST 3910
- 007 LDS Scripture as Text
PHIL 3013
- 003 Philosophy of Daodejing
PHIL 3100
- 002 Ancient Greek Philo.
PHIL 3100-001 Survey of Medieval Phil
SOC 3440
- 090 Sociology of Religion
Religious Studies core:
HINDI 4620-001/RELS 3900 India's Cultural Diversity
RELS 2640 - 001 World Religions
RELS 3620 - 001 Thinking about Religion
RELS 3743 - 001 Modern Christian Thought
RELS 3810 - 001 Chinese Religion
RELS 3900 - 001 Islam: Religion & Society
Electives
CL CV 4550 - 001 Ancient Myth & Religion
CLCS 3720 - 001 Empathy, Med & Human Connection
CLCS 4900 -/ PERS 4880  God, Love, and Mysticism
HIST 2300- America & the Middle East
HIST 3080-001 The Renaissance
HIST 3090 - 001 Reformations: Turmoil
HIST 4110 - 090 God and Money
HIST 4400 - 001 Introduction to Islam
HIST 4660-001 History of Utah
PHIL 3820-001 Meaning of Life
PHIL 4140-001 Classical Chinese Philosophy
SOC 3440-090 Sociology of Religion
Electives
HIST 4120
- 001 Christianity Mod World (First Half)
PHIL 2640
- 090 World Religions (Online, Second Half)
2024 - 2025
Core
CLCV 1550: Classical Mythology
MID E/HEBR 3880: The Jewish Experience
PHIL 3640: World Religions
Electives
ARTH 3250: Baroque Art Europe
CHIN 4900: Introduction to Chinese Religions: from Antiquity to 1800
HIST 4400/MID E 4510: Introduction to Islam
HIST 4410: Arabian Days Caliphates
HINDI 4610: Suberversive Indian/Pakistani Film
MID E 2780: Religiosity in ME/USA
PHIL 3012: Christianity/Judaism in Literature & Philosophy
PHIL 4140: Classical Chinese Philosophy
SOC 3440: Sociology of Religion
Core
PHIL 2640
- 090 World Religions
RELS 3620
- 001 Thinking about Religion
CLCS 4900
- 001 /PERS 4880  God, Love, and Mysticism
CL CV 1550 - Classical Mythology
RELS 3710
- 001 Who is Jesus?
Electives
ARTH 3150
- 090 Medieval Art
ARTH 3250
- 001 Baroque Art Europe
ANTH 3127
- 090 Peoples of Europe
CLCV 4900- Cleopatra: Life & After
ENGL 5700
- 001 Studies In Medieval Lit
ETHNC 4850
- 002 Race, Gndr, & Religion
HIST 3910
- 009
Britain & the Book
HIST 3545
- 001
Ancient India
HIST 4660
- 001
History Of Utah
PHIL 3820
- 001 Meaning of Life
SOC 3440
- 090 Sociology of Religion (online)
PHIL 2640
- 090 World Religions (Online, Second  Half)
PHIL 3810
- 001 Existentialism
2023 - 2024
Core
CLCV 1550: Classical Mythology
MID E/HEBR 3880: The Jewish Experience
PHIL 3640: World Religions
Electives
ARTH 3250:
Baroque Art Europe
CHIN 4900:
Introduction to Chinese Religions: from Antiquity to 1800
HIST 4400/MID E 4510:
Introduction to Islam
HIST 4410:
Arabian Days Caliphates
HINDI 4610:
Suberversive Indian/Pakistani Film
MID E 2780:
Religiosity in ME/USA
PHIL 3012:
Christianity/Judaism in Literature & Philosophy
PHIL 4140:
Classical Chinese Philosophy
SOC 3440:
Sociology of Religion
Core
CL CV 1550
Classical Mythology
RELS 3620
Thinking About Religion
Electives
ARTH 3160
- 001 Islamic Art and Arch
ANTH 3127
- 090 Peoples of Europe
ANTH 3321
- 001 Classic Maya
CL CV 4580
- 001 Ancient Divination
CLCS 4970
Visions of Islam
CLCS 4900 /HINDI 3710
- Hinduism & Islam in India
CLCS 4900
- 002 God, Love, and Mysticism
ETHNC 4730
- 001 Race, Religion, Spirituality
HIST 3400
- 001 Middle East Since 1914
HIST 3545
- 001 Ancient India
HIST 3560
- 001 Modern India
HIST 3910/MID E 4158
- Trends in Modern Islam
HIST 4250
- Religion & Identity in Early Modern Britain
HIST 4490 /MID E 4549
- Jews of the Islamic World
HIST 4660
- 001 History Of Utah
MID E 3880
- 090 Religion & Fashion in Mid East
PHIL 3012
- 001 The Problem of Evil
PHIL 3820
- 001 Meaning of Life
SOC 3440
- 090 Sociology of Religion (Online)
MID E 3753:
Anthropology & Archaeology of Ancient Egypt (Online)
HIST 4790:
American Religions (First Half)
2022 - 2023
Core
CLCV 1550:
Classical Mythology
MID E/HEBR 3880:
The Jewish Experience
PHIL 3640:
World Religions
Electives
ARTH 3250:
Baroque Art Europe
CHIN 4900:
Introduction to Chinese Religions: from Antiquity to 1800
HIST 4400/MID E 4510:
Introduction to Islam
HIST 4410:
Arabian Days Caliphates
HINDI 4610:
Suberversive Indian/Pakistani Film
MID E 2780:
Religiosity in ME/USA
PHIL 3012:
Christianity/Judaism in Literature & Philosophy
PHIL 4140:
Classical Chinese Philosophy
SOC 3440:
Sociology of Religion
ARTH 3060:
Arts of Buddhism
ARTH 3150:
Medieval Art
ANTH 3127:
Peoples of Europe
HIST 3045:
Late Medieval England
HIST 3398:
History of the Middle East 1798-1914
HIST 4400/ MIDE 4510:
Introduction to Islam
HIST 4660:
History Of Utah
HONOR 2810-001:
Evil
HONOR 2810-001:
Gods & Monsters
MIDE 3880:
Religion and Fashion in the Middle East
PHIL 1002:
Intro God, Faith, Reason
PHIL 3012:
The Problem of Evil
PHIL 3820:
Meaning of Life
PHIL 3900:
Modern Christian Thought
THEA 3001:
001 Zen, Eastern Theatre
HIST 4120:
Christianity in the Modern World
MID E 3753:
Anthropological Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
PHIL 3640:
World Religions
ARTH 3180-001:
Islamic Art
CLCV 1550-001:
Classical Mythology
CLCS 4900-002 / PERS 4880-002:
Gold, Love, & Mysticism
ENGL 3030-001:
Bible As Literature
ENGL 5721-001:
John Milton
ETHNC 4730-001:
Race, Religion, Spirituality
MID E 2780-090:
Religiosity in ME/USA
PHIL 3012-004:
Problem of Evil
PHIL 3110-001:
Survey of Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 3600-001:
Phil of Religion
SOC 3440-090:
Sociology of Religion
HIST 3400:
History of the Middle East
HINDI 4610:
Subversive Indian/Pakistani film
ARAB 4880:
Classical Arabic (need at least 1
st
year Arabic to register)
HIST 3005/MIDE 3500:
Ancient Empires
Career Opportunities - Why Study Religion?
The skills you will gain in this program will prepare you for careers in a host of
fields including, international relations, medical vocations, education-–just to name
a few. Listed below are other career opportunities that open up with a religious studies
degree.
Curator
Chaplain
Attorney
Historian
Anthropologist
Freelance Writer
Campus Ministry
Teacher/Professor
Humanitarian Work
Social Justice Advocacy
Economic Development
Why Study Religion?
Fear of the “other” (marked as ethnic, racial, and of course, religious difference)
is at the heart of so many of the conflicts that currently afflict the world.
Students of Religious Studies learn about the sociological and psychological factors
which shape belief and often inform global conflict. They also study the history and
theology of multiple religious traditions.
We focus on teaching students ways of engaging religious difference in complex ways
and learning to talk thoughtfully, and respectfully about these differences. With
this training place they are uniquely able not only to analyze how religious discourse
informs divisive situations, but more importantly how to actively foster civil dialogue
that honestly honors, rather than mitigates religious difference.
The Top Five Reasons to Study Religion
The Value of Teaching Religious Literacy
Student Opportunities
Aziz Atiya 2026 Comparative Religion Research Awards
The Religious Studies Program of the Department of World Languages and Cultures at
the Universityof Utah is pleased to announce the annual call for faculty and graduate
student research award applications. The competition supports research by University
of Utah faculty or graduate students connected with the study of religion, broadly
defined.
Awards range from $500 to $3,000 and can be used toward applicable costs. To be eligible,
the activities must be planned to be completed by January 8, 2027.
Reimbursable expenses include laboratory, archival, or fieldwork fees, student assistantships,
book purchases, airfare, ground transportation and parking, meals (per diem or receipts),
and lodging. Normally, course buy-outs will not be funded. Expenses for travel to
professional conferences to present and receive feedback on research is eligible.
The deadline to apply for this cycle will be
January 9, 2026
. Awardees will be notified within three weeks of this deadline.
Please submit the following materials by e-mail to
jacqueline.landry@utah.edu
by 5:00 pm on the application due date:
1) A two-page proposal (including references, where applicable) that describes the
project and how the award will support the applicant’s research profile
2) A proposed budget
3) A current CV
Please direct any questions to Brandon Peterson:
brandon.peterson@utah.edu
Aziz Atiya CALL 2026 pdf
Faculty
Brandon Peterson
Religious Studies Program Director
Assistant Professor
brandon.peterson@utah.edu
(801) 585-7292
Maxwell Brandstadt
Assistant Professor
m.brandstadt@utah.edu
Thérèse De Raedt
Professor
therese.de-raedt@utah.edu
(801) 587-7766
Christine Everaert
Associate Professor
christine.everaert@utah.edu
(801) 581-8381
Christopher Lewis
Chair, Associate Professor
christopher.t.lewis@utah.edu
(801) 581-4604
Margaret Toscano
Associate Professor
margaret.toscano@utah.edu
(801) 581-4768
Soheila Amirsoleimani
Associate Professor
soheila.amirsoleimani@utah.edu
(801) 585-3011
Nathan Devir
Professor
nathan.devir@utah.edu
(801) 585-3000
Mujeeb M. A. Khan
Assisstant Professor
mujeeb.khan@utah.edu
(801) 585-3005
Joseph Metz
Associate Professor
joseph.metz@utah.edu
(801) 581-7620
Deberniere Torrey
Associate Professor
d.torrey@utah.edu
(801) 581-7990
John Wynne
Religious Studies Program Director
Associate Professor
john.wynne@utah.edu
(801) 581-8384
Aziz Atiya Comparative Religion Research Awards
The Religious Studies Program of the Department of World Languages and Cultures is
pleased to announce the annual call for faculty and graduate student research awards.
The competition supports activities that enhance research productivity connected to
the study of religion, broadly defined.
Awards range from $500-$3,000, and can be used toward applicable costs. To be eligible,
the activities must be completed by August 14, 2020.
Reimbursable expenses include laboratory, archival, or fieldwork fees, student assistantships,
book purchases, airfare, ground transportation and parking, meals (per diem or receipts),
and lodging. Normally, conference travel or course buy-outs will not be funded.
Proposals will be considered once a year. The deadline for this cycle will be January
6, 2020. Awardees will be notified within three weeks of the proposal deadline.
Please submit the following materials by e-mail to
john.wynne@utah.edu
by 5:00 pm on the application due date:
A 2-page proposal (including references, where applicable) that describes the project
and how the award will support the individual’s research profile
Proposed budget
Current CV
Please direct any questions to John Wynne at
john.wynne@utah.edu
Jewish Studies
The Jewish Studies Initiative at the University of Utah, currently a curricular stream
within the Religious Studies program, allows students to explore the multiple facets
of Jewish tradition, history, and ritual, from ancient times to the present day
. Course offerings may focus on the Hebrew Scriptures, the Talmud, or other canonical
sources; the Holocaust and anti-Semitism; ethnic and cultural diversity within the
Jewish Diaspora; Zionism and the state of Israel; secular Jewish literatures; Jews
in the Islamic world; and Judeo-Christian dialogue. Jewish Studies course offerings
at the University of Utah emphasize exploring "Jewish identity," in a comparative
mode, to investigate all kinds of assumptions about other ethnic groups, such as African
Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos, as well as religions, such as Islam and Mormonism. Since
traditional Jewish sources have much to say about encountering the "other," the study
of Jewishness, as we see it, should function as a catalyst for powerful, transformative
cross-cultural dialogues where we can meet each other and break down biases, stereotypes,
and misconceptions.
Courses
CLCS 3670: War Narratives: Israel & the U.S. – 3 units
This course provides an introduction to the study of cultural narratives (films, novels,
short stories, popular music, and poetry) depicting military confrontation in Israel
and the United States. The narratives examined in this class include audio, textual,
and visual media. The study of the historical and cultural backgrounds of events depicted
in these narratives will constitute a major part of the course.
ENGL 5030: Studies in Poetry ("Sacred Verse in Jewish, Christian and Buddhist Traditions:
An Interreligious Inquiry") – 3 units
In the ancient world, religious texts, works of prayer and sacred wisdom often took
the form of poetry. Psalms, the Song of Solomon and the Book of Common Prayer are
all examples of works which blur the boundary between poetry and prayer. After immersing
ourselves in the poems of the Hebrew Bible (as well as looking at some contemporary
poets who reinterpret these ancient texts, to some surprisingly subversive ends),
we will turn to the Christian prayer tradition and examine such powerful works as
the mystical poems of Hildegard of Bingen and St. Teresa of Avila. The last sequence
of the course will turn from the Western religious tradition to that of the East as
we read the "gathas" (hymns) and prayers of the Buddhist tradition. An important part
of this course will include several experiential encounters with the various faith
traditions that we will make our object of study.
ENGL 5930: Theories of Race/Ethnicity/Nation ("Jews and Other Others") – 3 units
This course will explore the relations between Jews and others, including African
Americans, Asians, and Latinos, in the interest of learning more about how racial,
ethnic, and sexual difference work to shape that complex concept, known as "Americaness."
We will read short stories, novels and watch a few great films as we ask: How has
Jewish American writing and culture changed during the twentieth century? How do these
representations of Jewish Americans challenge or deepen your understanding of Americans?
How does this work change your ideas about religion, race and ethnicity? Does this
work perpetuate, or shatter, dearly held beliefs about belonging and identity?
HEBR 3880: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Culture – 3 units
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Culture is a course designed to introduce students
to the basic skills necessary to begin studying the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in
its original language. Though this course focuses primarily upon the fundamentals
of grammar and vocabulary, it also provides students with an introduction to scholarly
resources including dictionaries, and lexicons, that will assist in interpreting the
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.
HEBR 4900: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament – 3 units
An exploration of the multiple responses to the Hebrew Bible, from within the Bible
itself down to our own times and experiences of it. History, anthropology, mythology,
theologies, and readings of the Bible as allegory, as art, and as wisdom guide this
course toward a sympathy for its profound indeterminacy.
HEBR 3210: Introduction to Judaism – 3 units
An overview of Jewish tradition, ritual, and practice with a focus on biblical and
non-biblical textual sources, from ancient times to the present day. Questions of
identity will also be explored, particularly with regard to the history of anti-Semitism,
the Jewish Diaspora, political Zionism, and the post-Holocaust Judeo-Christian dialogue.
No previous knowledge of Judaism or Hebrew is required.
HEBR/CLCS 3700: Holocaust and Remembrance – 3 units
(Humanities Exploration designation) This course provides an introduction to the study
of cultural narratives (films, memories, poetry, and prose) related to the Holocaust.
The primary source materials to be examined in this class include audio, textual,
and visual media from several different national/linguistic traditions. In addition,
we will study short selections of secondary source materials alongside each literary
or cinematic narrative in order to illuminate the particular situational context of
the events that it attempts to describe. There is no required prerequisite for this
course.
HEBR 4300: Contemporary Culture of the Jewish/Israeli World – 3 units
This course focuses on a critical reading of relatively non-canonical literary texts.
Examines the specific vocabulary, grammar, poetics, and strategy of such texts to
better explore the ideological and socio-political construction of Zionism, ethnicity,
religion, history and gender. Readings include works by women, Middle Eastern Jews,
and Palestinians. Taught in English.
LANG 2900: Modern Hebrew Conversation – 1 unit
This course provides students the opportunity to improve their skills in speaking
and listening, to expand their cultural awareness, and to increase their self-confidence
in the language. Designed to be taken with 1020, 2010, or 2020, but open to any student
not enrolled at the 3000/4000 level. No written work. Credit/Non-Credit grading.
Coptic Studies
The Religious Studies program at the University of Utah, in conjunction with the Classics
Section of the Department of Languages, offers a two-year sequence in the Coptic language.
During the first year, students not only learn the grammar and syntax of Sahidic Coptic,
but also read selections from Coptic Christian text (primarily from the New Testament
and the Nag Hammadi library). The second year is devoted to intensive reading of Coptic
texts, including some of the works of Shenouda, Abbot of the White Monastery and prolific
author of original (i. e., non-translated) Coptic works. At the end of this sequence,
the student is well equipped to read and understand any Coptic text independent of
the classroom.
Although this two-year sequence focuses on the language of Egypt in the Christian
era, students also learn much about the history of Egypt—its language, religion, and
culture—as well as about early Christianity and Gnosticism, a theology that pervades
the Nag Hammadi library.
The development of a curriculum in Coptic studies at the University of Utah was initiated
many years ago thanks to the generosity of the Atiya family and their commitment to
Middle East studies at the UU. The UU is now one of the rare American universities
offering course in Coptic. Students who are interested in studying Coptic should contact
the undergraduate director in the department of Languages and Literature.
Resources
Claremont Graduate University/Coptic Studies Council
Minor in Coptic Studies at the American University in Cairo
MARRIOTT LIBRARY MIDDLE EAST COLLECTION
History of the Atiya family at the University of Utah
Middle East Center
Marriott Library
Western Christianity
The Religious Studies program offers Western Christianity as an area of emphasis for
students who wish to explore and compare the traditions of Catholicism, Anglicanism
and mainline Protestantism.  Courses in Western Christianity analyze the history as
well as the theology operative within these traditions in order to better understand
the scriptural, ritual, ethical, philosophical, and doctrinal commitments of Western
Christians, as well as the praxis at the heart of these contemporary communities within
particular cultural settings.
In addition to examining these traditions themselves, from biblical times to the present,
students will have opportunities to study Western Christian interreligious dialogue
with other religions (e.g. the fruitful collaboration with Jews since the time of
the Second Vatican Council).
Islamic Studies
In conjunction with Middle East studies, the Religious studies program at the UU encourages
interested students to build a focused curriculum in Islamic studies. This emphasis
does not yet grant an actual degree, but it allows students to organize their coursework
around a specific tradition and an area of research; such a focus proves very helpful
for graduate school applications. Along with classes on Islam, the Middle East, and
the broader Muslim world, students can enhance their profile in taking Arabic. A wide
variety of courses are offered on campus in history, political science, anthropology,
cultural studies, etc. An emphasis in Islamic studies can valuably be paired with
an emphasis in Jewish studies. The Religious studies program is exploring the possibility
of adding in the future a minor in Islamic studies.
Examples of Classes Following Under Islamic Studies
ANTH 3131
Peoples/Culture Mid E
CLCS 3900
Religious Conflict in M.E.
CLCS 4900
Indo-Pakistani Religious Div
CLCS 4970
Muslim-Americans in U.S.
CLCS 6660
God, Love, & Mysticism
HIST 3400
Middle East Since 1914
HIST 3550
India: Empire & Religion
HIST 4005
Ancient Israel & Pale
HIST 4420
The Crusades
HIST 4400
Introduction to Islam
HIST 4990
Islamic Origins
MID E 3649
Comp Religion/Politics
MID E 3713
Peoples/Cultures M.E.
MID E 3880
Major Trends in Modern Islam
MID E 3880
Political Violence/Terrorism
MID E 4520
Introduction to Shi’ism
POLS 5080
Islamic Law
For existing models of Islamic studies minor or major, see:
Swarthmore College
Vanderbilt University
University of Washington
Religion and Conflict
With its two new programs in Religious studies and Peace and Conflict studies, the
UU seems to be in an excellent position to explore the intersection between Religion
and Conflict. Students at the UU who are interested in this topic are encouraged to
build a curriculum, either through Religious studies or Peace and Conflict studies
(Minor or Major), focusing on related themes. Such an expertise represents an ideal
complement for students in International studies or Political Science for instance.
In response to 9/11, the relationship between religion, conflict, and violence has
been at the heart of many publications among journalists, scholars of religions, and
politicians. At the same time, a growing number of studies have researched the role
of religion in peacebuilding initiatives. In this context, a solid training in both
Religious studies and Peace and Conflict studies uniquely equipped students for an
international political and/or military career. Senior U.S. officials have identified
the need for future policy makers, religious leaders, and operational personnel to
be able to exercise P&C skill sets (conflict resolution, conflict management, peacemaking,
and peacebuilding skills) with a greater sensibility to religious topics.
UU students interested in designing such a curriculum for themselves should contact
the director of either Peace and Conflict studies or Religious studies to discuss
available options. Both programs are exploring the possibility to formalize this area
of study by creating in the near future a track or concentration in Religion and Conflict.
Examples of Classes Following Under Religion and Conflict
ANTH 4138
Anthropology of Violence and Non-Violence
CLCS 3900
Religious Conflict in M.E.
CLCS 4900
Indo-Pakistani Religious Div
HIST 3400
Middle East Since 1914
HIST 3550
India: Empire & Religion
HIST 4005
Ancient Israel & Pale
HIST 4420
The Crusades
HIST 4400
Introduction to Islam
HIST 4990
Islamic Origins
ETHNC 3450
Intergroup Relations: Our Prejudices & Stereotypes
ETHNC 3400
Intercultural Communication
HIST 4420
The Crusades
HIST 4430
The Middle East: Nation States
HIST 4750
U.S. Foreign Relations: Colonial Era to1898
HIST 4760
U.S. Foreign Relations: 20th Century
PHIL 3640
World Religions
PHIL 3730
Justice & International Affairs
POLS 3420
Islam and Politics (3)
POLS 3490
Religion & Politics in Comparative Perspective
POLS 5450
Political Violence/Terrorism
Useful Resources:
Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Utah
Tanenbaum Institute in New York City
Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University
Take the Next Step
APPLY NOW
TOUR THE CAMPUS