Religion Major

At Gustavus, the academic study of religion invites everyone, whether part of a religious tradition or not, to explore life’s big questions and the world’s diverse religions while gaining the skills needed in many careers of close reading, research and analysis, critical thinking, and effective written and oral communication. Today, more than 80 percent of people worldwide identify with a religious tradition, and religions play a significant role in social, political, economic, and ethical life. About one-third of the world’s population identifies with Christianity. One particular branch of Christianity, Lutheranism, has shaped the history and values of Gustavus Adolphus College and is embraced by communities of faith around the world. Given the significance of religions worldwide and the college’s history and mission, the Religion department gives all students the opportunity:

• to develop a critical appreciation of religion as a basic aspect of human experience;

• to cultivate a mature understanding of Christianity throughout its diverse history and today;

• to understand the history and significance of diverse religious traditions; and

• to explore their own values and spiritual and religious commitments.

Why Study Religion at Gustavus? The Department of Religion offers a variety of courses involving major religious traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Taoism. The faculty are trained in a variety of academic fields including Biblical Studies, Ethics, Theology, Religion and Culture, and Interfaith Studies. The department also offers courses that fulfill the College’s graduation requirement (RSAP).Since religious experience is expressed in many ways and studied from many different perspectives, many courses are interdisciplinary, exploring connections between religion and art, music, literature, languages, history, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. Studying religion at Gustavus provides essential tools for reflecting thoughtfully on a range of religious, ethical, and global concerns.

Why Major or Minor in Religion? Studying religion prepares students for a number of post-graduate paths, such as:

• Graduate studies in a variety of fields. Some of our students have pursued graduate degrees in Religious Studies or Theology at institutions such as the University of Chicago, Princeton, and Yale, and others have studied Literature, Music, or Public Policy.

• Professional degrees. Some students enter seminary, law school, or medical school.

• Careers in public service. Some graduates work for organizations such as Teach for America and the Lutheran Volunteer Corps and longer term in the nonprofit sector.

• Business careers. Some graduates enter the business world, working in a range of fields from finance to sales.