Religious Studies, B.A.

Learning Outcomes

• Students possess general knowledge of different methodological approaches to the study of religion or theology, and an in-depth knowledge of at least one method.    
• Students demonstrate general knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the major world religions, and in-depth knowledge of the beliefs and practices of at least one major religious tradition.  
• Students are familiar with a broad range of historical, cultural, and systematic issues in religious studies or theology, and the ability to do research in a specific area.  
• Students have competency in using religious and theological concepts in oral and written communication.  
• Students understand the relationships of religion to other areas of knowledge, e.g., humanities, sciences, art.   
• Students demonstrate that they are prepared to succeed in their profession or graduate studies. 

General Education Requirements

The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the General Education  section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement in the major or a course requirement in another discipline.

The following specific general education courses must be chosen to meet the requirements for this major:

• GOV 230 - American National Government Credit(s): 3
• HST 103 - Introduction to Western Civilization I: Prehistory to 17th Century Credit(s): 3
• HST 104 - Introduction to Western Civilization II: 17th Century to the Present Credit(s): 3
• PHL 110 - Introduction to Philosophy Credit(s): 3
• PHL 260 - Contemporary Moral Issues Credit(s): 3
• PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 3
• SOC 100 - Survey of Sociology Credit(s): 3

Courses Required for the Major

• REL 100 - Introduction to Religious Studies Credit(s): 3
• REL 210 - Hebrew Bible Credit(s): 3
• REL 220 - New Testament Studies Credit(s): 3
• REL 225 - World Religions Credit(s): 3
• REL 270 - Psychology of Religion Credit(s): 3
• REL 334 - Understanding Christian Faith Credit(s): 3
• REL 340 - Contemporary Theological Issues Credit(s): 3
• REL 490 - Independent Study Credit(s): 2-3
• REL 496 - Senior Synthesis/Capstone Credit(s): 3

•  

• REL 293 - Special Topics Credit(s): 1-3

• OR

• REL 494 - Special Topics Credit(s): 2-3

Courses Required in Other Disciplines

Theology: Fontbonne/Aquinas Institute of Theology Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Agreement

This agreement gives Fontbonne’s Religious Studies major accelerated access to graduate education.

Ecumenical in scope, this program appeals to students who wish to pursue graduate studies, careers in theological education, and a variety of lay ministries.

The Fontbonne/Aquinas agreement enables students to take all or part of the minimum of three upper-level courses requirement mentioned above at Aquinas Institute of Theology. These courses are accepted as meeting Fontbonne undergraduate requirements and credited graduate credit on an Aquinas transcript.

• REL 400 Pro-seminar Credit(s): 3
• REL 401 Bible Interpretation Credit(s): 3
• REL 402 Church History I Credit(s): 3
• REL 403 Church History II Credit(s): 3
• REL 404 Introduction to Theology and Theological Method Credit(s): 3
• REL 405 The Use of Philosophy in Theology Credit(s): 3