38.02 Religion/Religious Studies

A program that focuses on the nature of religious belief and specific religious and quasi-religious systems. Includes instruction in phenomenology; the sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, literature and art of religion; mythology; scriptural and textual studies; religious history and politics; and specific studies of particular faith communities and their behavior.

A program that focuses on the philosophy preached by Siddartha Gautama, the Buddha, in ancient India and subsequently interpreted by his disciples and apostles; together with the intellectual, cultural, social, and ritual developments of the faith and its branches. Includes instruction in Buddhist sacred literature (Tripitaka, etc.) and study of one or more of the main branches including Early Buddhism, Hinayana, Theravada, Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Pure Land, Shingon, Tendai, Nichiren Shu, Zen, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others.

A program that focuses on the philosophy and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles, and the subsequent intellectual and cultural movements and institutions based on Christianity. Includes instruction in Christian sacred scripture, Christian literature and philosophy, and studies of one or more of the main branches of the faith and their cultural context including Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Evangelicalism, and others.

A program that focuses on the group of South Asian theologies and philosophies collectively known as Hinduism; together with the religious history and cultural and social manifestations of the faith. Includes instruction in Hindu theology and philosophy (dharma); literature (Vedas, Upanishads, Epics, and commentaries); the Hindu Pantheon, sects, and movements; schools and disciplines; and related arts and sciences.

A program that focuses on Islam as preached by the Prophet Muhammad in 6th century Arabia and subsequently interpreted and elaborated by Islamic scholars and others; together with the cultural and social milieu related to the faith in various periods, localities, and branches. Includes instruction in Islamic scripture and related written authorities and commentaries

A program that focuses on the history, culture, and religion of the Jewish people. Includes instruction in Jewish religious heritage, sacred texts, and law; Jewish philosophy and intellectual history; Jewish life and culture, both in Israel and the Jewish Diaspora; historical Jewish minority cultures such as the Yiddish, Sephardic, and other; anti-Semitism, gentile relations and Shoa; Zionism; and modern developments within Judaism.

A program focused on intense study of the Talmud that fosters values, critical thinking, and scholarship skills; prepares students for entry into a broad spectrum of graduate and professional schools; and prepares students for entry into a variety of careers including the Rabbinate. Includes instruction in Jewish law, Jewish jurisprudence, ethics, philosophy, and related disciplines.

A program that focuses on Catholic thought, culture, and how Catholic tradition informs theology, culture, institutions, and identity. Includes instruction in Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Catholic bioethics, Catholic social thought, church history, Latin, philosophy, and theology.

A program that focuses on beliefs, practices, culture, and history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Includes instruction in Mormon culture, history, literature, philosophy, sociology, and theology.

Any instructional program in religion/religious studies not listed above.