Why study religion? The study of religion is not simply about faith or belief. Our majors study religious ideas, practices, and communities from a variety of disciplinary approaches, including those of politics, history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, visual culture, and literary studies. The religion major and
minor provide training useful in a broad range of professional careers. You will learn to read texts closely, to think critically, and to express yourself persuasively. Religion courses also cultivate cultural awareness and broad historical perspective, both of which are essential for professionals across diverse fields, from law and medicine to politics, international affairs, and journalism. Students of religion strive to understand the universal quest for truth, meaning, and moral direction. Studying religion give you the opportunity to reflect on large, cross-cultural questions central to the human experience. Our courses will challenge you to consider large questions—what it means to be human, to act ethically, and to create a just society—from diverse perspectives. Advantages of the Religion Major
Small class sizes with faculty who have won numerous USC teaching awards. Exciting and diverse courses. Study the smells of India, mystical desire, religion in TV and film, bioethics, sexuality, the life of Jesus, women in Islam, violence and warfare, holy icons, Buddhist monks, archaeological discoveries, and more. Flexibility for double majors. The flexible requirements of the Religion major complement other majors. Most Religion majors are double majors, and many are pre-med or pre-law. Opportunities to gain research experience. Take advantage of the department’s relationships with numerous research centers, including the USC Archaeology Research Center, the Center for Religion and Civic Culture, the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, The Casden Institute for the Jewish Role in American Life, InscriptiFact, and the Center for Japanese Religion and Culture. General Questions:
Linda Wootton (213) 740-0272 [email protected]
ACB 130 (825 Bloom Walk, West Tower)
Director of Undergraduate Studies:
James McHugh (213) 740-7141 [email protected], ACB 226
College Advisement Religion Advisor:
Lisa Kamrany
Request appt. by email: [email protected]
