Religious Studies

Religions are an integral part of the human experience. They have inspired great ideas, political and social movements, and works of literature and art. They have also contributed to tremendous suffering and destruction. The religious studies program instructs students in the critical analysis of religious ideas, practices, and institutions, and employs theoretical models for a better understanding of these systems. Courses examine the historical development of major religions and their influence on contemporary issues–such as violence, the role of women, and the environment–that affect all human beings. Graduates in religious studies have gone on to top doctoral programs, professional schools including law and medicine, and work in non-profit organizations. Majoring in religious studies, it's divine!

Students majoring in religious studies work closely with a faculty member to develop a concentration that best meets their academic interests. Possible concentrations include Jewish Civilization, Christian Origins, Hinduism, South Asian Religions and Culture, Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Gender Studies, American Religions, Politics, & Culture, U.S. Latino & Latin American Religions and Politics.

Religious Studies is a cooperative program offered jointly by Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, Pomona, and Scripps Colleges. Students may enroll in religious studies courses offered at the undergraduate colleges, and advanced students may, with permission, enroll in master's-level courses in their area of specialization at The Claremont Graduate University.

Our program offers over 50 courses taught by a dozen scholars specializing in various historical religious traditions, geographical and cultural areas of the world, philosophical and critical approaches to the study of religion, and thematic and comparative studies of religious phenomena. While recognizing the importance and legitimacy of personal involvement in the study of religion, the religious studies cooperative program does not represent or advocate any particular religion as normative. Our aim is to make possible an informed knowledge of the fundamental importance of the religious dimension in all human societies–Eastern and Western, ancient and modern.

Requirements & Courses

Religious Studies Requirements and Courses

The Religious Studies entry in the CMC Catalog covers general education requirements, major, and course descriptions. Current Courses The Claremont Colleges schedule of current courses.

Daniel Michon
Department Chair, Kravis Center 285
Claremont McKenna College
850 Columbia Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 607-0837
Daniel.Michon@cmc.edu

Linda Chavez-Nunez
Coordinator
Faculty Support West, Kravis 108C
Claremont McKenna College
850 Columbia Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 607-3394
Linda.Chavez@cmc.edu