Religious studies introduces students both to the academic study of religion and spirituality and also to the variety of religious traditions around the world (Hinduism and Buddhism; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; Chinese religious traditions; and indigenous religious traditions in North America and in Africa). In addition, students with a particular thematic interest may pursue the study of religion and film, spirituality and wellness, andor religion and human rights. Because religion is deeply implicated in history, culture, politics, literature, and medicine the study of religion is critical to understanding and explaining complex global issues in both the past and the present. One does not have to be religious or spiritualto study religion, nor is the study of religion directed toward establishing the truth of one religion over another. A Bachelor of Arts in religion consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours in the field, of which at least 18 hours must be in upper division (3000-4000 level) courses.