Master of Arts Program in Religious Studies

Course of Study: The program for each candidate for the Master of Arts degree in religious studies consists of the following required and elective courses:

1. Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion (G90.1001).

2. Four courses in one of the designated areas of study.

3. One course in another area of study.

4. One elective course.

5. Demonstrated competency through the intermediate level of a primary-source language of the chosen area of study.

6. A master’s thesis or comprehensive examination, the option to be chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser.

The areas of study and their approved primary-source languages represented in the Program in Religious Studies are as follows:

1. Religions of the ancient Near East (Egyptian, Akkadian, Sumerian).

2. Judaism (Hebrew, Aramaic).

3. Christianity (Greek, Latin, Coptic).

4. Islam (Arabic).

5. Asian religions (Sanskrit, Pali, Chinese, Japanese).

6. Issues in comparative religion (languages to be chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser).

Language competence is demonstrated by either of the following:

1. Successful completion of language courses through two semesters at the intermediate

level. (Note: Graduate credit is not awarded for undergraduate courses.)

2. Passing a departmental examination.