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Religious Studies

At first glance, the religions of the world can seem fascinating and beautiful, strange and threatening, and appear full of contradictions—all at the same time. How can we make sense of these traditions and practices? What place does religion have in the history of human development and in the course of contemporary global events?

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Degree Types
Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies
History
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Capstone
Document
Events
Annual lectures & featured speakers

Questions like this are at the heart of Religious Studies, the academic study of religion that will guide you through a variety of nonsectarian theoretical and methodological approaches you can apply to the study of religious practices, material objects, rituals, texts, beliefs, mythologies, and ethics.

Our students often find courses in Religious Studies helpful in broadening their perspectives not only on religion but also on the world. A minor in Religious Studies is often a good way to broaden or globalize a primary major.

Future Career Paths

Like many fields in the liberal arts, Religious Studies also develops “soft skills” that are valued by employers, including:

  • Oral and written communication
  • Cultural knowledge
  • Social understanding
  • Problem-solving

Distinctive Courses

REL 1104 - Introduction to Religious Studies

An introduction to the study of religions at the undergraduate level. The course focuses on how religious studies differs from theology, fundamental terms and categories within religious studies, basic approaches and methods in studying of religions, and classic problems, theories, and figures in the field. The course requires no prior background in the study of religion.

REL 2240 - Religion and Critical Thought

A critical engagement with major theories and methods in the study of religions. Equal attention is given to both historical-hermeneutical and ethical-critical approaches.

AHY 3305 - Sacred Architecture

An historical and systematic examination of both formal and symbolic aspects of structures built for religious purposes, along with their associated religious activities.  Overlapping cultural and symbolic meanings will be studied, with in depth readings of associated religious texts.

FYS 1202 - What the Bible Really Says

An introduction to both the Tanakh (the Bible that Jews use) and the different Bibles used by Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant Christians.  Students will explore questions such as the following: Who wrote the books of the Bible, when and why?  Does what they say correspond to what we know of prehistory and history?  Do they contradict each other?  Why do different religious groups use different Bibles?  What books were left out of the Bible?  What does the Bible really say about issues like abortion, homosexuality, evolution, life after death, and the end of the world?  No prior knowledge of the Bible, Judaism, or Christianity is necessary. 

Religious Studies Program Requirements

Religious Studies Minor
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The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Study Abroad

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Internships

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Research

Religious Studies professor Brad Stoddard with students presenting on Religion and Race at national conference

Faculty Spotlight Brad Stoddard Associate Professor of History

"As a historian of American religion, I'm primarily interested in the history of what we commonly call 'religion' in the United States. More specifically, I study religion in American prisons."

Visit Stoddard's Profile
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Meet a Green Terror Class of 2022: Raquel Sobczak History and Religious Studies

"Dr. Brad Stoddard in the Religious Studies department helped me view the world in a different lens," says Raquel. "Religion and Critical Thought was hands down the best class I have taken on campus. It provided me with a different lens to analyze religious groups, which I quickly learned can be refocused to learn about a group or individual. Things are rarely as they appear!"

 

 

Read about Raquel's McDaniel experience.
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Class of 2024: Carl Feibusch

"I was super surprised to find myself in a Religious Studies course, and even more to find myself wanting to take another one, eventually taking a total of six during my time at McDaniel and becoming a Religious Studies minor. Dr. Brad Stoddard is a fantastic professor, and his passion and the way he teaches makes his courses super interesting and engaging, to the point where an Environmental Studies and Political Science student like myself decides to add a minor for no other reason than the fact that I liked taking his classes."

Read about Carl's experience on the Hill.
Pink colored cover reading "Stereotyping Religion II: Critiquing Cliches" edited by Brad Stoddard and Craig Martin.

Faculty expert’s new anthology confronts clichés in religion

Associate Professor Brad Stoddard was inspired by input from students in his courses at McDaniel College to co-edit a new anthology of essays addressing modern stereotypes on religion, “Stereotyping Religion: Critiquing Clichés Volume II.”

Read "Faculty expert’s new anthology confronts clichés in religion "

Related Programs

Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies History Sociology Philosophy Psychology
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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