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Religious Studies
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Courses in this program are listed under RLST.
The Religious Studies Program, available as a minor, gives students a broad knowledge of humanity's rich religious heritage and increases their appreciation of the human religious experience. The program is interdisciplinary, drawing on the resources of many departments.
Professors from seven UMBC departments, as well as visiting instructors, offer courses in the Religious Studies Program.
The variety of responses that belief systems historically have given to such questions as the existence of good and evil, the problem of undeserved suffering, the role of religion in secular society and the afterlife, and the historical dimensions of religion all are considered.
The interdisciplinary nature of the minor, which combines different approaches to the study of religion, should make it appealing to students of widely differing backgrounds and majors.
Minor Program
To earn a minor in religious studies, in addition to their major in another field, students must complete 18 credits in approved religious studies courses. RLST 100 (also listed as HIST 120), RLST 200 and RLST 349 (also listed as SOCY 349) are required. In choosing their remaining nine credits, students should bear in mind the following rules:
No more than nine of the 18 total credits may be from any one department
A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses applied toward the minor
A course taken on a P/F basis will not count toward the minor
At least nine credits of the total 18 must be at the 300-400 level.
Students interested in concentrating in religious studies as a minor field should consult the director in the Department of History for assistance in choosing appropriate courses.
Evening Option
Evening courses are sometimes available, but the program cannot be completed on a part-time, evening basis.