The Religious Studies minor consists of a required course, distribution requirements, and electives. The required introductory course focuses on theoretical and methodological issues in the study of religion. Distribution requirements encourage students to approach the study of religion from a variety of angles, from a focus on individual religions to the interaction between religions in specific regions to the exploration of comparative issues and themes. Electives allow students to tailor their course of study to their specific interests and pursue a depth of knowledge in particular aspects of the study of religion.
Requirements for the Minor
Students interested in declaring a minor in Religious Studies should schedule an appointment with the Religious Studies Undergraduate Director.
Religious Studies Minor Course Requirements
Students selecting this minor must complete a course in each of the following areas:
| Introduction to Religious Studies (3) | ||
| Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Religious Studies | ||
|
or REL 105
|
Introduction to Religious Studies, Honors | |
| Specific Religious Traditions (3) | ||
| Satisfied by 1 course (3 hours) chosen from the following: | 3 | |
| Jews, Christians, Muslims | ||
| Jews, Christians, Muslims, Honors | ||
| Understanding the Bible | ||
| Understanding the Bible, Honors | ||
| Religion of Ancient Israel | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| The Talmud: Its Origins, Nature, and Evolution | ||
| Native American Religions | ||
| Native American Religions, Honors | ||
| Christianity | ||
| Islam | ||
| The Buddhist Tradition in Asia | ||
| Hinduism | ||
| Studies in Early Christian Literature and History | ||
| The Dead Sea Scrolls | ||
| Ancient Egyptian Culture and Religion | ||
| Jews and Christians | ||
| Christian Origins: from the Beginnings to Augustine | ||
| Hindu Epics, Past and Present | ||
| Modern Islamic Reform Movements | ||
| Modern Jewish Thought | ||
| Religion in Specific Regions (3) | ||
| Satisfied by 1 course (3 hours) chosen from the following: | 3 | |
| Asian Religions | ||
| Asian Religions, Honors | ||
| Religion in American Society | ||
| Religion in American Society, Honors | ||
| History of Religion in America | ||
| Religion in India | ||
| Religion in China | ||
| Religion in Japan | ||
| Religion in Korea | ||
| Gods and Goddesses of South Asia | ||
| Buddhists and Buddhism in China | ||
| Religion in Kansas | ||
| New Religious Movements (Western) | ||
| New Religious Movements (Nonwestern) | ||
| Thematic Approaches to Religion (3) | ||
| Satisfied by 1 course (3 hours) chosen from the following: | 3 | |
| Religious Zionisms | ||
| Mysticism | ||
| Women and Gender in Islam | ||
| Religion and Society in Tension | ||
| The Supreme Court and Religious Issues in the United States | ||
| Religious Perspectives on Selfhood and Sexuality | ||
| The Supreme Court and Religious Issues in the United States, Honors | ||
| Religious Ethics and Moral Decisions | ||
| Religion and Moral Decisions, Honors | ||
| Reading Asian Religious Classics | ||
| Religion and Film | ||
| Visions in Art and Literature | ||
| Gender and Religion | ||
| Studies in Ritual: _____ | ||
| Yoga in Theory, Practice, and History | ||
| Judaism and Political Theology | ||
| Judaism and Sexuality | ||
| Religious Studies Minor Required Elective (6) | ||
| Satisfied by completing 6 additional hours in REL courses at the 300 level or above. | 6 | |
Religious Studies Minor Hours & Minor GPA
While completing all required courses (above), minors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Minor Hours
Satisfied by 18 hours of major courses.
Minor Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 9 junior/senior (300+) hours of KU resident credit in the minor.
Minor Junior/Senior (300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the minor.
Minor Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in all departmental courses in the minor. GPA calculations include courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
