Religion Major

The mission of the religion department is to foster the spiritual and intellectual growth of students through the disciplined, critical study of religion. The four key aspects of this mission are to develop:

An understanding of the nature of religion, Christian scriptures and traditions, and world religions.
An ability to carry on disciplined, critical dialogue concerning varied understandings of Christianity, other religions and other disciplines, relating these to everyday experiences.
An ability to engage in multiple modes of critical thinking, and to articulate and defend their own ideas; and
The capacity for critical reflection concerning good living and working, honoring both their abilities and communal needs.

Requirements for a religion major

Religious Foundations and the Bible; an advanced Bible course; an ethics course; world religions course; theology/history course; four more courses chosen by the student in consultation with the adviser; and a senior thesis.
Total: nine courses

Requirements for a religion minor

Religious Foundations and the Bible; two courses chosen from the following areas – ethics, world religions, advanced biblical studies, theology/history; and two courses chosen by the student in consultation with the adviser.
Total: five courses

A religion major or minor is valuable not only for the student who is planning to continue into graduate study of religion or the pastoral ministry, but it also can further the development of self-understanding; the idea of communal responsibility; wise vocational choices; preparation for a wide variety of graduate studies such as law, the humanities and counseling; the honing of skills in critical thinking; and an in-depth understanding of the foundational convictions of our culture.

To develop as broad an academic base as possible, the religion department faculty members encourage students to have a second major and/or develop a multidisciplinary major. Both the advanced study of religion and the increas­ing complexity of our culture call for the kind of multifac­eted undergraduate programs that Capital offers.

Approach

Classes are small to ensure individualized at­tention. In addition to the prescribed curriculum, religion majors organize and participate in campus and community activities as witnesses to their Christian commitment. This includes work with the student congregation on campus, metropolitan ministries and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, which is adjacent to Capital's campus.

Faculty

Each member of the religion faculty possesses a doctorate. Their specialties include ancient languages and literature, Christian ethics, New Testament, contemporary theology, history of theology, Asian religions and faith development.

Careers and Placement

Religion graduates are well prepared to attend graduate school or seminary. Other stu­dents enter the job market immediately upon graduation. Graduates of Capital's religion program are participating not only in ordained ministry both nationally and inter­nationally, but also are working in an exceptionally wide variety of programs and occupations, demonstrating the value and flexibility of Capital's religion program.

Four-Year Sample Schedule of a Religion Major:

 All courses subject to availability and adviser approval.
* All undergraduates must demonstrate that the General Education goals have been met.