Department of Comparative Religion
The Department of Comparative Religion equips students for work and leadership in a culturally diverse world. We build students' religious literacy—their familiarity with religious traditions that may inform the identities of their future colleagues and clients. We train students to engage empathetically with beliefs, values, and cultural practices that differ from their own. We teach students how to think critically about social issues and conflicts involving religion that intersect with the fields in which they will work.
What is comparative religion?
"Comparative religion" is one name for the field of scholarship within the arts and sciences that specializes in understanding religion; this field is also known as "religious studies." In this field, we examine religion as a dimension of human culture, using theories and methods common to other academic fields, such as history, sociology, anthropology, or literary and cultural studies.
Comparative religion is different from theology. Theology refers to intellectual traditions that develop within religions as members reflect on their own doctrines. To be trained in theology, you would attend a religious institution such as a seminary. Because Miami University is a state school, it does not have a program in theology.
| Minor | Major |
|---|---|
| 18 credit hours | 42 credit hours |
| Gives you freedom to pursue your specialized interests after completing 9 hours of introductory coursework. | Gives you freedom to pursue your specialized interests after completing 12 hours of introductory coursework. |
| Offers possibilities for interdisciplinary work, in the form of cross-listed courses and an option to complete 3 hours in another department. | Is interdisciplinary by nature: A minimum of 15 hours must be completed in other departments. |
| Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis,and intercultural competence. | Develops your marketable skills in writing, critical reading, critical thinking, analysis,and intercultural competence. |
| Exposes you, in a systematic way, to a diversity of religious traditions. | Exposes you, in a systematic way, to a diversity of religious traditions. |
| Gives you a deeper introduction to two religious traditions (or religions from two regions of the world). | Gives you a deeper introduction to two religious traditions (or religions from two regions of the world). |
| Formally introduces you to theories and methods for the study of religion. | Formally introduces you to theories and methods for the study of religion. |
| Gives you opportunities to apply theories and methods to specific questions about religion in society and culture. | Gives you opportunities to apply theories and methods to specific questions about religion in society and culture. |
| Provides a mentored senior research experience. | |
| Is designed to work well as a second major, to complement a related subject area (international relations, psychology, social justice studies, etc.). |
Department of Comparative Religion
