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:
| Religious Studies Core Knowledge and Skills (3) | |
| Majors must complete a course in each of the following areas: | |
| Introduction to Religion. Satisfied by: | |
| REL 104 | 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: | |
| Jews, Christians, Muslims | |
| Jews, Christians, Muslims, Honors | |
| Understanding the Bible | |
| Understanding the Bible, Honors | |
| 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 | |
| Jews and Christians | |
| Modern Jewish Thought | |
| Religion in Specific Regions (3) | |
| Satisfied by 1 course (3 hours) chosen from the following: | |
| Asian Religions | |
| Asian Religions, Honors | |
| Religion in American Society | |
| Religion in American Society, Honors | |
| REL 310 | Religion in Korea |
| History of Religion in America | |
| Religion in Japan | |
| Thematic Approaches to Religion (3) | |
| Satisfied by 1 course (3 hours) chosen from the following: | |
| REL 100 | Introduction to Religious Ethics |
| REL 102 | Violence and Religious Ethics |
| REL 137 | Religious Ethics and Moral Decisions |
| Religious Zionisms | |
| Mysticism | |
| Women and Gender in Islam | |
| REL 362 | Studies in Yoga & Meditation |
| REL 370 | Judaism & Sexuality |
| REL 372 | Religion & the Environment in the United States |
| The Supreme Court and Religious Issues in the United States | |
| Religious Perspectives on Selfhood and Sexuality | |
| Gender and Religion | |
| Judaism and Political Theology | |
| Religious Studies Required Electives (6) | |
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Satisfied by 2 courses (6 hours) at the 300 level or above. within, or cross-listed with, the Religious Studies Department course offerings. |
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*Contact undergraduate Director Dr. Sam Brody (samuelbrody@ku.edu) or Undergradate Advisor J.D. Smith (jdsmith@ku.edu) for information about this requirement.
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.
