2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Religious Studies
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies section in this catalog.
Website: gvsu.edu/rel
The diverse and often contested religious/cultural perspectives in our contemporary world demonstrate the need for leaders who are educated in religious history and tradition and who have the capability of critically examining their own cultural assumptions while engaging in dialogue with global and local populations. An academic, critical understanding of the world's religions provides a foundation for understanding diverse ideas and cultures. This is particularly important in our post-9/11 culture, where religion is playing such a significant role in political movements and cross-cultural dialogue.
The religious studies minor provides core courses along with flexibility. Students have the option of focusing on particular religious traditions through electives in a range of global traditions and disciplinary perspectives. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to determine the electives portion of the minor. Close collaboration with faculty in the program through advising, student-centered coursework and independent study opportunities is an important part of the religious studies minor.
Religious studies strongly encourages students to take advantage of a wide range of study abroad programs offered by the university. Appropriate courses taken abroad can be credited toward the requirements for the minor. Contact the Padnos International Center or religious studies for more information.
Program Requirements
The following program is available: