The religious studies major integrates religion courses with a broad spectrum of other courses from the history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, American studies, classics, and medieval studies departments. From the start, students have a chance to design their own focus. At the lower division level, students take several courses that introduce them to the major world religions. At the upper division level, students move on to more specialized courses which deal with the more complex issues surrounding religion. Some courses include Myth, Ritual, and Symbolism, Contemporary American Religion, Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism and Religious Ethics. Religion is one of the major and most persistent expressions of human culture. Studying religion answers questions about why people believe what they do, why people fight wars about their beliefs but also seek peace and justice because of their beliefs. By immersing you in the diversity of the world's religious traditions, religious studies prepares you for careers in medicine, law, public policy, government, academia and much more.<br><br>Because of the program's focus on developing critical thinking, writing, and reading skills, students who major in Religious Studies are well prepared to enter a variety of careers, including, the health professions, law, business, teaching, and government. In an increasingly global society, knowledge of the world's religious traditions and practices has become an essential part of a student's education.