2017-2018 Undergraduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Religion and Society, BA


R. Gustav Niebuhr
313 Tolley Humanities Building
315-443-5723
rgniebuh@syr.edu.

Faculty

Philip P. Arnold, Michael Barkun, Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Zachary J. Braiterman, John S. Burdick, Ann Grodzins Gold, M. Gail Hamner, Susan Henderson, Samantha Kahn Herrick, Tazim R. Kassam, Prema Kurien, Norman A. Kutcher, Micere Githae Mugo, R. Gustav Niebuhr, Marcia C. Robinson, Dennis Romano, Maureen Trudelle Schwarz, Laurence Thomas, Margaret Susan Thompson, Robert J. Thompson, Susan S. Wadley, Joanne P. Waghorne, Ernest E. 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 analysis 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.

Religion and Society Courses (12-18 credits):