Humanities — Religion and Culture Concentration, Thesis, BA

Department of Liberal Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

69-71 credits

Introduction

The humanities include the disciplines which study philosophy, religion, history, literature, and the arts. The B.A. in Humanities, Religion and Culture Concentration, Thesis, attracts students who want to major in more than one Humanities discipline, using interdisciplinary methods of investigation.

The Religion and Culture Concentration provides scholarly, critical, nonsectarian study of religions. Students study religious beliefs, practices, identities and organizations, and how they have influenced and been influenced by other aspects of society and culture. The concentration includes a broad survey of Western civilization as a basis for understanding its religious traditions. Students also become familiar with religious traditions in non-Western civilizations, and with their modern interactions and changes. Students study the origin, history, and methods of the academic study of religion as it has developed in Europe and North America. They are introduced to methodological issues in the study of religion, and learn to use methods appropriate to different kinds of problems.

The small size of classes and seminars in the Humanities B.A. programs encourages close relationships between students and faculty. Working closely with faculty, students learn to formulate problems clearly, to consider and evaluate different methods and concepts, to do efficient and thorough research, and to write clearly, concisely and effectively, culminating in work in rigorous senior seminars as well as a senior thesis written under direction of two faculty members.

For information or advisement, contact the Liberal Studies Office.

Why Consider a Religion and Culture Concentration, Thesis, in Humanities?

Students in this major acquire skills broadly applicable to professional careers. These include problem solving, critical thinking, research skills, integrative skills, and written and oral communications skills. These skills are developed to an even higher level when applied to the writing of a senior thesis. While preparing students for knowledgeable participation in civic life, they also provide solid foundation for careers in both public and private settings. Graduates have gone on to a variety of professional graduate schools and fields of work, including teaching, law, library science, archive administration, and research and administrative positions with business and non-profit organizations. The major has also proved to be excellent preparation for graduate academic programs in the study of religion, as well as literature and history.

Students who plan a career in secondary education should contact the department for advising as soon as possible.

Contact Information

Program Advisor Rob Stoops Bond Hall 170 360-650-3047 Rob.Stoops@wwu.edu

Academic Department Manager Bond Hall 152 360-650-3030

Sample Careers

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

 

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

An average grade of B in Liberal Studies courses is required for admission to LBRL 302. (NOTE: LBRL 302 is ordinarily offered spring quarter only.) LBRL 302 is prerequisite to LBRL 421, LBRL 422, LBRL 423, LBRL 424 and LBRL 425. LBRL 498 (3 credits) should be taken with a Liberal Studies faculty member in the quarter prior to enrolling in LBRL 499 (3 credits), to prepare for the latter. It is recommended that students undertake study of a foreign language concurrently with the major.