Special Topic: It’s the End of the World
Exploring different ways of understanding assertions “the end is nigh” that appear within a multitude of religions and cultural traditions from around the globe
Discern the role of religion for individuals, cultures and societies in a context of free inquiry and critical examination.
Students of religion explore some of the most fascinating areas of the human experience. Among other questions, they inquire into the many understandings of reality and the many manifestations of sacred practice across cultures. Religion is a field of study that is both personally rewarding and highly relevant in its applications to the contemporary world.
Our students learn to discern the role of religion for individuals, cultures, and societies. They study and compare the myths, symbols, and rituals of various religious traditions in a context of free inquiry and critical examination. Through their studies they come to recognize the internal coherence and distinctiveness of diverse worldviews.
In keeping with the enormous changes in the world and the increasing controversy surrounding religious issues, the department seeks to provide students the opportunity to explore religious diversity in many different historic and contemporary forms, including religions of East and South Asia, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Habits of Mind
Through our curriculum, graduates learn to read closely, think critically, discuss insightfully, and write analytically. These skills are the heart of a liberal arts education. Our program of study prepares students for whatever educational and professional paths they may choose and builds their capacity to be lifelong learners.
Exploring different ways of understanding assertions “the end is nigh” that appear within a multitude of religions and cultural traditions from around the globe
Introducing students to the origins, evolution, and manifestations of Buddhism in scripture, practice, and artistic expression.
Using travel narratives to explore how religion has motivated human movement—migrations, colonization, and even tourism.
Understanding the texts as a repository of ancient Israelite traditions that were developed and shaped in specific historical and social contexts.
Examining constructions of gender and sexuality in Islam and considering how Muslim women today are challenging the patriarchal structures of authority.
Exploring the methodological and theoretical frameworks that define the academic study of religion.
Introducing the fundamentals of ecology and how humans impact ecosystems processes, as well as to the history and ritual of Buddhism and and indigenous Shinto.
Surveying the works of particular Jewish thinkers, from antiquity to the modern day, with special attention to certain topics and historical developments.
The grant will support a public conversation about the College’s Lutheran affiliation and the values that have underpinned its development over the last 50 years.
The World Views speaker series is an opportunity to explore of various religions and cultural communities. This spring's events include World Hijab Day with Ruman Sadiq and the local Muslim community, Contemporary Quaker Tradition with Sharlee DiMenichi and Antisemitism: Past and Present with Hartley Lachter.
On November 5, Lorenzo Servitje will present his lecture “Culture as Infrastructure: Dracula, Zombies, and Contemporary Healthcare,” and the Wallenberg Tribute Dinner will honor the Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund for its community building and family support initiatives.
A proposed partnership between humanities faculty and the Career Center earned a Vocation Across the Academy Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges.