SJSU Catalog

Religious Studies (Comparative) Program

Introduction

Most modern nations, including the U.S., guarantee freedom of religious belief and practice as a human birthright. However, the knowledge and understanding of religions that leads citizens to embrace religious pluralism and tolerance, which we call religious literacy, must be learned. Members of the Comparative Religious Studies Program's faculty are committed to guiding students in the kinds of learning needed for this task. In other words, it is our goal to provide students with the key elements of religious literacy: knowledge of the basic data in the study of religions, respect and tolerance for diverse religious perspectives, and critical thinking skills that can be applied to explanations of religion from insiders (believers, participants, etc.) as well as outsiders (anthropologists, historians, etc.). In a word, the motto of the program is: "Celebrate Religious Diversity, Promote Religious Literacy."

The program presents scholarly interpretations of the world's religious traditions. It aims to be as global as possible in covering the great diversity of religions and as inclusive as possible in covering the various methodological approaches to the study of religion. Our second motto is that we address "Ultimate Issues in a Global Perspective."

The Religious Studies degree offers comprehensive preparation for those who plan to undertake graduate education in theology, history of religions and other related areas. The major also provides preparation for graduate education in law, business and the helping professions as well as in any area of the social sciences or humanities where in-depth knowledge of religion will be a distinct advantage in one's career.

The religious studies minor offers a basic understanding of religious beliefs and practices for those whose careers would benefit significantly from a familiarity with some religious traditions, such as those in teaching, journalism, business, social work, medicine and law. The minor incorporates the study of religious traditions with reflection on what religion is and how we understand it.

The strengths of the program are found, above all, in the diverse backgrounds and interests of its faculty. They have lived and studied in various world areas, including North Africa, the Near East, Europe, India, Taiwan and Vietnam. Naturally, they are conversant with the languages of the areas in which they have lived. They have also published books and articles covering these and other areas where the world's religions are practiced. Moreover, faculty are active in a wide range of scholarly organizations, including the American Academy of Religion, the Association for Asian Studies, the Middle Eastern Studies Association, the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, the American Anthropological Association and the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy. Finally, they excel in teaching, as indicated by awards some have received from SJSU's Institute for Teaching and Learning.

The major-minor advisor works closely with students to make curricular choices that reflect their particular interests and academic preparation. Because the program is small and flexible, we can give each student personal attention.

All courses taken at California public institutions (community colleges and CSU or UC campuses) and evaluated as equivalent to SJSU courses are transferable to the undergraduate major and minor programs in religious studies. On a case by case basis, the program coordinator will consider all other requests to apply to the minor or major in religious studies relevant courses taken elsewhere and transferred to SJSU.