Is literature or creative writing your possible course of study? Consider combining your English courses with a major or minor in religion. You'll read sacred texts that are also great literature and discover new ways of thinking and interpreting. Your explorations of culture and philosophy will enrich your understanding and interpretation of literature and give you a broader base of experiences and ideas on which to write.
A double major in Religion and English (or major/minor or minor/major) can be easily accomplished. Some sample four year plans are laid out below, but any student planning on this double major should consult with his or her advisors to custom tailor an ideal program for that student.
| Religion Major with
English Major | Religion Major with
English Minor | Religion Minor with
English Major |
| Freshman Year | REL 100 Understandings of Religion REL 202 The Gospels ENG 201 American Literary Traditions ENG 202 English Literary Traditions I ENG 203 English Literary Traditions II | REL 100 Understandings of Religion REL 202 The Gospels ENG 106 Interpreting Literature ENG 201 American Literary Traditions | REL 100 Understandings of Religion ENG 201 American Literary Traditions ENG 202 English Literary Traditions I ENG 203 English Literary Traditions II |
| Sophomore Year | REL 303 Women and the Bible REL 306 Luther and the Reformation ENG 303 Creative Writing ENG 307 Film and Literature | REL 303 Women and the Bible REL 306 Luther and the Reformation ENG 202 English Literary Traditions I ENG 303 Creative Writing | REL 220 Faith, Love, and Ethics REL 301 Post-Exilic Judaism ENG 303 Creative Writing ENG 307 Film and Literature |
| Junior Year | REL 230 Issues in Living and Dying REL 311 Hinduism ENG 309 Literatures of Diversity ENG 311 Shakespeare ENG 316 Special Studies on a Major Author after 1700 | REL 230 Issues in Living and Dying REL 311 Hinduism REL 330 Greek and Roman Mystery Religions ENG 203 English Literary Traditions II | REL 304 Church History ENG 309 Literatures of Diversity ENG 311 Shakespeare ENG 316 Special Studies on a Major Author after 1700 |
| Senior Year | REL 400 Senior Seminar (combined Religion and English) REL 330 Greek and Roman Mystery Religions REL 414 Religious Thinkers of Modern Times ENG 375 History and Structure of the English Language | REL 400 Senior Seminar REL 414 Religious Thinkers of Modern Times ENG 308 Topics in Literature | REL 312 Islam REL 335 Religion and Society ENG 375 History and Structure of the English Language ENG 410 Senior Seminar |
