Religious Studies, BA
The academic study of religion examines how ethical ideals, ritual practices, and deeply held values have impacted societies past and present. Combining historical, ethnographic, and philological methods with rigorous study of visual and material culture, Religious Studies courses do not simply involve reading canonical texts produced by religious groups. Students may also examine religious aspects of sporting events or protest movements, investigate a complex figure like Satan, consider how fans of animated films create new ritual practices, or reflect on existential crisis by reading modern fiction.
Because of its multimodal approach to academic inquiry, the Religious Studies major often attracts students interested in pursuing several overlapping areas of academic interest. Students wishing to major in Religious Studies meet with the Undergraduate Chair to create an individualized coursework plan that consists of intro-level thematic courses (e.g., Gender, Sexuality, and Religion), mid-level courses on specific religious traditions (e.g., Islam in the Modern World), and advanced seminars that include a research component.
Our core faculty are leading researchers in specific religious traditions (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Shinto); they are also experts in broader thematic areas that cross denominational divides (childhood, gender, and sexuality studies; visual and material culture; modernity, science, and secularism). Building on this world-class reputation, we regularly mentor serious students on individualized projects that prepare them for the intensive research and evaluation required for graduate study in the field.
The minimum total course units for graduation varies between 32-36, and the number of units required for the Religious Studies major is 12 course units, or 13 if a student is pursuing an honors thesis. For information about the honors option, contact the department’s director of undergraduate studies.
There are many pathways through the major, but here are some guidelines that all students should follow:
- A major should involve coursework in at least two different religious traditions to allow for a broader comparative perspective on religion.
- Three courses should be at the beginner level (courses numbered 0000-1999)
- Three courses should be at the intermediate level or higher (courses numbers 2000 or higher)
- In addition to the intermediate courses, one additional course should be a seminar led by a Religious Studies faculty member (courses numbered 2000 or higher and identified as seminars). Regularly offered courses that satisfy this requirement include:
RELS 3170 “Black Spiritual Journeys”
RELS 3330 “Material Christianities”
RELS 5000 “Theory and Method in the Study of Religion”
- To complete the major, a student must enroll in a course entitled “The Culminating Experience” (RELS 4999) an independent studies course taken with a faculty member in the department.
The remaining four courses required for the major are electives that students can select at their discretion and can be drawn from any course offered by the Religious Studies department, though it is always recommended to consult with the department’s undergraduate chair. Courses about religion offered outside the department may be used to satisfy this requirement with approval from the undergrad chair. To receive honors in the department, a student must take RELS 3999 in lieu of the Culminating Experience course (“Directed Readings”) and, as a thirteenth course, RELS 3099 (“Honors Thesis Seminar)
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with the director of undergraduate studies regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
For more information: https://rels.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/major-religious-studies
For more information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page: https://www.college.upenn.edu/curriculum
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Requirements | ||
| Select 3 course units in Beginner RELS 0001-1999 | 3 | |
| Select 3 course units in Intermediate RELS 2000-4999 | 3 | |
| Religious Studies Upper Level Seminar 2 | 1 | |
| “Black Spiritual Journeys: Modern African American Religious Memoir” | ||
| Material Christianities | ||
| Theory and Method in the Study of Religion | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Independent Study/Culminating Experience | 1 | |
| Independent Study | ||
| Honors Thesis Seminar | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| Electives | 4 | |
| 4 Credits in RELS 0000-4999 (Or, course with Attribute = ARRS ) | ||
| Total Course Units | 32 | |
Honors
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| RELS 4998 | Advanced Research Project | 1 |
| RELS 3099 | Honors Thesis Seminar 3 | 1 |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
See the Religious Studies advisor for more upper level seminars.
- 3
RELS 3099 is an additional course beyond the 12 credits required for the major
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.