Why Study Religion?
Religion is a major source of inspiration, meaning, and controversy in human culture, informing history, politics, economics, art, and literature. It rivals trade as a major trans-national force across the globe. One cannot hope to understand world history and literature — or current events like Middle East politics, the recent insurgencies in Thailand, the genocide in Sudan, or US presidential elections — without knowledge of religion. Debates over science and religion, as well as religion and law, are often front-page news.
Throughout history, inquiry into religions has inspired and troubled artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers — including T.S. Eliot, Dante, Toni Morrison, Tagore, Tupac Shakur, Euripides, Rumi, William Blake, Margaret Mead, John Updike, Tolstoy, Leonard Bernstein, John Coltrane, George Lucas, Einstein, Gandhi — among countless others. Religious ritual and belief are also among the most powerful forces uniting past and present, shaping memory and identity from generation to generation, and across millennia.
Undergraduate Programs in Religious Studies:
Major in International Studies with Global Religious Studies Concentration
Religious Studies Minor
Islamic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
Native American Studies Interdisciplinary Minor
Knowledge & Skills Gained as a Religious Studies Major
Knowledge:
- Develop an appreciation for the complexity of religious cultures and communities.
- Encounter diverse religious texts that will add to students’ understanding of various cultures and societies
- Develop awareness of the multi-faceted influence of religion on our history, politics, ethics and economics
Skills:
- Ask and answer complicated questions through the use of sophisticated research techniques
- Organize and critically analyze various types of information, drawn from a wide array of sources
- Consider multiple interpretations and varying narrative perspectives
- Produce high-quality written reports of their findings and interpretations
- Orally report and discuss findings
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
SLO I: Students will gain a basic understanding of ‘religious studies’ as an academic field.
SLO II: Students will gain a basic knowledge of the historical origins, the central doctrines, and the most common ritual practices of the following religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religious traditions (Daoism and Confucianism), and indigenous traditions of North America.
SLO III: Students will be able to think critically and communicate effectively through oral presentation and discussion.
SLO IV: Students will be able to conduct research and communicate effectively the results through writing.
SLO V: Students will be able to reflect in writing on experiential learning, such as internships, FUSE grants, Service Learning courses, study abroad, and site visits.
Academic Advising
For academic advising in Religious Studies, please contact:
Dr. Brady DeSanti, Associate Professor
205B ASH
Phone: 402.554.2956
Email: bdesanti@unomaha.edu
If you're undeclared or have fewer than 27 hours, you'll need to see an Arts & Sciences Advising Center Advisor.
Our faculty advisors are here not only to help you plan your schedule but also to answer questions about:
- Programs of study
- Study abroad options
- Career options
- Graduate and professional school
You may schedule an advising appointment at any point in the year, but please note that the heaviest advising time at UNO is typically during the months of October, for the spring semester classes, and March for the fall semester.