Religious Studies 

Dr. Marianne Delaporte
Chair
(650) 508-4181
mdelaporte@ndnu.edu

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and in Religious Studies, Minors in Philosophy and in Religious Studies, and the opportunity to create an interdisciplinary major or interdisciplinary minor.

Students who major in Religious Studies study the meaning and relevance of Christian belief and gain an understanding of the essential nature of the religious dimensions of life; they also acquire a knowledge and appreciation of the variety and richness of religious beliefs throughout our world: in particular, the special concern for justice, compassion, and community common to them all. Completing a major in Religious Studies is excellent preparation for graduate studies and for careers in Catholic education, non-profit work or ministry.

Learning Outcomes

Through their education in Religious Studies, students will be able to:

• Understand and be able to critically analyze complex theological, biblical and historical texts.
• Investigate and understand how religious and theological traditions can work effectively for social justice and for the good of humanity and the environment.
• Show a solid grounding in the history of Christianity, with special emphases on the Catholic tradition, particularly that stemming from liberation and feminist theologies.
• Make illuminating comparisons between the approaches of different thinkers and traditions with respect to basic ethical, theological and historical questions
• Think analytically, logically and creatively about humanity’s quest for meaning and relationship to God.
• Use critically and thoughtfully the methods of modern critical biblical scholarship.

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements.

See Course Descriptions for more information.

Prerequisites		Units
REL1000	Introduction to the Old Testament	3
REL1005	Introduction to the New Testament	3
Total Prerequisites		6
Major Requirements		Units
REL1400	Challenged by Christian Ethics	3
REL2100	Jesus of History, Christ of Faith	3
REL2250	Religions of the World	3
REL2605	Women's Spirituality	3
REL2997	Senior Thesis	3
Upper-division Electives in Religious Studies		12
Total Major Requirements		27
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives		91
*Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g. U.S. History).
Total Unit Requirement		124

Minor in Religious Studies

Minor Requirements		Units
Fifteen units suggested as follows:
REL1300	Church and Sacraments	3
One course from the following:		3
REL1400	Challenged by Christian Ethics
REL1405	The Christian in Society
REL2250	Religions of the World	3
Electives in Biblical and Historical Studies		6
Total Minor Requirements		15

Second Major

Students interested in a second major in Religious Studies may qualify by completing 24 upper-division units, or eight courses, in Religious Studies.