Why Major in Religious Studies?
Religion is one of the most powerful motivators of human behavior. From the paleolithic cave paintings 35,000 years ago, through the colonization of North America, to the Arab Spring of 2011, religious beliefs have informed the most significant developments in history. Religion continues to influence the laws, language, music, art, science, business, and daily lives of both nations and individuals. Many of the burning issues of the day (such as globalization, abortion, and stem-cell research) have a religious dimension. Professionals in all walks of life encounter religious beliefs and practices every day. In short, the study of religion helps us to understand the peoples of the world.
The UWM Religious Studies Program focuses on the academic study of religion within cultural and historical contexts. It uses a broad, inter-disciplinary approach, with courses offered in the Departments of Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Classics, Comparative Literature, English, Hebrew Studies, History, Philosophy and others. It also enjoys close ties with the programs in Global Studies, Ethnic Studies, and International Studies, and feeds into the Master’s Degree programs in History, Museum Studies and others.
Photo credit: Panorama of interior of Selimiye Camii Mosque, in Edirne, Turkey by photographer Darwinek
Photo credit: Late afternoon Panorama of the Temple Mount by photographer Oren Rozen
