Religious studies is an academic discipline that looks at religious phenomena worldwide from a variety of angles in order to understand the many roles that religion plays in human life. To this end, students of religion learn to use a variety of theoretical analyses and methods. These include historical methods to understand how religions develop in time; critical literary methods to understand religious ideas; aesthetic methods to understand religious art and material culture; social-scientific methods to understand the relationship between religion, society and culture. Religious studies can also engage a variety of professional disciplines in analysis of how religion functions in economic, educational or political contexts, healthcare and scientific research, to name some examples.
Some ways of studying religion emphasize understanding religions on their own terms, other ways use comparative methods to discern differences and similarities between religions. Students of religion also study ways that people use religious resources to make meaning outside the boundaries of religious institutions and identities. Above all, the field of religious studies requires a willingness to explore different ways of interpreting human life and diligent effort to develop understanding of how religious ideas, symbols, rituals and spaces serve as resources for people in a variety of contexts as they make sense of and live out their lives in the world. Thus, religious studies provides important preparation for thinking, communicating and functioning professionally and personally in a complex, multidimensional world.
Courses
Because religious studies is an interdisciplinary program drawing upon many departments, some courses may have prerequisites in their home departments that must be fulfilled even though the prerequisites themselves have no bearing on progress within the religious studies major. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all the prerequisites to enter a course before they enroll in it. The current list of courses can be found in the Religious Studies course list page in the Guide.
How to Get in
A certificate in religious studies is available to all undergraduates and special students studying at UW–Madison.
Students who wish to declare their intention to major or earn a certificate in religious studies must meet with the undergraduate advisor during regular office hours or by making an appointment. Students are encouraged to do this early in their academic careers in order to plan for successful completion and take advantage of opportunities such as Honors, special research, internship, service learning, or study abroad opportunities in associate with the major or certificate.
Dr. Corrie Norman is the undergraduate advisor and Honors in the Major advisor. Contact her by email at cenorman@wisc.edu.
Students pursuing the Religious Studies Certificate may not be declared in the Religious Studies major at the same time. Students who do wish to declare this major must first cancel their declaration in the Religious Studies Certificate.
Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must complete 15 credits from:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Courses, Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Religion in Global Perspective | ||
| Exploring Religion in Sickness and Health | ||
| Exploring Religion and Sexuality | ||
| Sacred Places and Journeys | ||
| Religion and Popular Culture-Local and Global | ||
| Capstone Course: | ||
| RELIG ST 600 | Religion in Critical Perspective | 3 |
| Additional Courses: | 9 | |
Select an additional 9 credits in RELIG ST courses to bring total credits to at least 15 credits. To view additional courses, follow the link below to the Religious Studies course list page in the Guide. | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Residence & Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all RELIG ST and certificate courses.
- At least 9 credits for the certificate must be earned in residence.
Undergraduate/Special Student Certificates
This certificate is intended to be completed in the context of an undergraduate degree and for those seeking this certificate that is preferred. For students who have substantially completed this certificate at UW–Madison and may need one or two courses to complete the certificate, they may do so immediately after completion of the bachelor’s degree by enrolling in the course as a University Special (nondegree) student. The certificate must be completed within a year of completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students should keep in mind that University Special students have the last registration priority and that may limit availability of desired courses. Financial aid is not available when enrolled as a University Special student to complete an undergraduate certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficiency in close reading, interpretation, and written and oral analysis.
- Proficiency in accessing, appraising, and utilizing a variety of resources and methods for research across disciplinary lines.
- Proficiency in categorizing, analyzing and comparing diverse systems of value and belief in a variety of contexts.
- Global and local religious literacy; identifying, evaluating, and interpreting the interrelationships and impact of religious worldviews and communities in Wisconsin, the United States and globally.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Dr. Corrie Norman is the undergraduate advisor and Honors in the Major advisor. Contact her by email at cenorman@wisc.edu to meet with her. Students are encouraged to meet with Dr. Norman early in their academic careers in order to plan for successful completion and take advantage of opportunities such as Honors, special research, internship, service learning or study abroad opportunities in associate with the major or certificate.
Careers
Religious studies engages a variety of professional disciplines and provides important preparation for thinking, communicating, and functioning professionally in a complex, multi-dimensional world.
Religious studies sponsors workshops and other career exploration vehicles, often in collaboration with SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science, to aid students in articulating the value of religious studies for their career preparation. Student-developed capstone projects in religious studies often make specific connections to experiential learning and career preparation in a range of fields. Talk with Dr. Norman about possibilities for combining internships and other forms of preprofessional training with the major and certificate.
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Professors
Bell, Bowie, Brenner, Bühnemann, Chamberlain, Cohen, Dale, DuBois, Dunne, Gade, Hansen, Hardin, Hildner, Howard, Hsia, Koshar, Langer, Livorni, Louden, Nadler, Ohnuki-Tierney, Phillips, Rosenblum, Schenck, Schweber, Stanford Friedman, Thompson, Wandel, Wink, Wolf, Zaeske
Associate Professors
Beneker, Cerulli, Hutton, Livanos, Ridgely, Shelef, Shoemaker, Thal, Todorovic
Assistant Professors
Chamedes, Hollander, Pruitt, Rock-Singer, Stern
Distinguished Faculty Associate
Brown
Faculty Associates
Mellor, Norman, Rosenhagen
Associate Faculty Associate
Whelan
Lecturer
Carlsson
Faculty Diversity Liaison
Program Director Rosenblum