Religion

Major & Minor Requirements

The Department of Religion aims to provide all students with an introduction to the academic study of religion, to give them the conceptual skills to interpret religious experience in its varying manifestations, and to instill in all students a sense that religion is a fundamental dimension of human experience.

All students at Carthage must successfully complete RELI 100: Understandings of Religion (preferably as a freshman or sophomore), and a second religion course from a provided list.

At Carthage, students can major in religion, minor in religion, and earn Honors in the major. Many students choose to double-major in religion and another subject, as it's easy to combine the flexible religion major with another discipline at Carthage.

Please note: Current students should work with their advisors and the department chair to ensure all requirements are met.

Religion Major

A student seeking a major in religion must complete 40 religion credits.

RELI 100: Understandings of Religion
RELI 275: Research Methods
RELI 400: Senior Seminar
Two Biblical courses
Two courses in Church History/Christian Theology
Two courses in World Religion
One course in Religion and Society

Note: Any course listed in more than one category may only count once.

Religion Minor

A student seeking a minor in religion must complete 24 religion credits.

RELI 100: Understandings of Religion
One Biblical course
One course in Church History/Christian Theology
One course in World Religion
One course in Religion and Society
One other course

Note: Any course listed in more than one category may only count once.

Religion Course Categories

Honors in the Major

Departments at Carthage offer students the opportunity to earn Honors in their major. Each department may establish the requirements for Honors in that department. Please see the department chair for details.

Basic requirements for Honors in a major include an overall GPA of 3.5 at graduation, completion of all requirements for the major, a formal recommendation by department faculty, a rating of “excellent” on the senior thesis by department faculty, and presentation of the senior thesis to an audience beyond the department.

Academic Resources

Prospective Students

Faculty Spotlight

Religion Professor James Lochtefeld brings Indian culture to life in photography show. Read more.

J-Term in Israel

Unearthing the Past. Annual study tour in northern Israel transforms Carthage undergrads into archaeologists.