Contact  R. Gustav Niebuhr, 513 Hall of Languages, 315-443-5723, rgniebuh@syr.edu.

Faculty Philip Arnold, Carol Babiracki, Michael Barkun, Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Zachary J. Braiterman, John S. Burdick, Ann Grodzins Gold, M. Gail Hamner, Susan R. Henderson, Tazim R. Kassam, Prema Kurien, Norman A. Kutcher, Patricia Cox Miller, Micere Githae Mugo, Marcia C. Robinson, Dennis Romano, Maureen Trudelle Schwarz, John Scott Strickland, Laurence Thomas, Margaret Susan Thompson, Robert J. Thompson, Susan S. Wadley, Joanne P. Waghorne, Ernest Wallwork, James W. Watts

Religion and Society is an interdisciplinary program that provides the opportunity to study the pervasive role of religion in contemporary society, especially in U.S. national politics, international relations, economic development, and popular culture–and in most facets of social change broadly conceived. Course requirements aim to provide students with (1) an understanding of several major religious traditions on their own terms; (2) perspectives on the social and cultural roles played by religion in various periods and places, not the least of which is the contemporary world; and (3) comparative analyses of religion’s influence on particular aspects of human cultures, such as politics, violence, and group identity. The program is open to any SU student, and may be especially useful to students interested in pursuing careers in journalism, international relations, law, government, or foreign service.

Major Requirements
The B.A. in religion and society is designed to encourage study of the interaction of religion with other aspects of public affairs, such as politics, diplomacy, law, and business, on the basis of a broad understanding of various religious traditions. It consists of a minimum of 30 credits (at least 18 credits in courses numbered 300 or above), of which 12 credits must be earned in courses from the Traditions list, 12 from the Religion and Society list, and 6 from either.

Traditions Courses (12-18 credits):