Are you someone who...
- ...is intrigued by different cultures and diverse beliefs?
- ... wonders how religion can lead to both conflict and peace, hatred and love, bigotry and tolerance, venerable institutions and extraordinary individuals?
- ...feels that religion at its highest can inspire the creative spirit, motivate just and ethical behavior, and transform the world?
- ...wonders how there can be so many religions that all claim to be true?
- ...is curious about why we are here, what happens after death, and how you should live?
In the Religious Studies program at Cal Poly, we focus on the manifold ways religion has shaped and continues to shape our world. The influence of religion can be seen in law and government, family and parenting practices, the arts and human creativity, economics and social structures. It pervades the way we think about life, death, morality, justice, truth, and love. In the academic study of religion, we examine religion from outside the framework of any particular belief system. The approach is cross-cultural in content and multi-disciplinary in approach. As a result, we explore a wide variety of religious traditions and bring a broad palette of interpretive tools to better understand them. We present religion as a lived experience, one that can illuminate the causes, meanings, and implications of current events. At Cal Poly, we are surrounded by incredible natural beauty, local communities with diverse religious affiliations, and a student body engaged with the religious and spiritual questions of our day. Whether the subject is local or far-off, contemporary or ancient, the field of religious seeks to understand religion in its many different manifestations.
As minors in Religious Studies, you will explore some of the most important and intriguing forms religion takes across the planet. At the end of your studies, you will be able to:
- describe, interpret, and compare the important beliefs and practices of the major religious traditions of the world.
- identify and explain various approaches to the study of religion that have informed the academic discipline of religion throughout its history.
- discuss intelligently the role of religion in our contemporary world.
- think critically, develop arguments, and communicate them clearly in written and spoken form.
Throughout your courses, you will acquire a deep knowledge base for better understanding and talking about the study of religion, but you will also have multiple forums in which to reflect upon the larger questions of life in our contemporary world. Our goal is that through a minor in Religious Studies, you will have a richer appreciation for our world, our country, our region, and yourself.
The aim of any Religious Studies course in a public university environment is shared exploration and mutual learning, not persuasion or dissuasion. Our students bring with them unique backgrounds and perspectives regarding the role of religion in the world. There will be opportunities to introduce these backgrounds into class discussions; however it is important to remember that our courses are not forums for proselytizing or condemning others. Our goal is always to understand others and in the process understand ourselves better. We believe each person and each religion has something to teach us in this process. Our classrooms invite open questions, respectful debate, and authentic searching.
Religious Studies is also open to people of faith within the campus community. While our courses do not begin with a faith perspective, they provide excellent opportunities to deepen students' understanding of their faith and the faiths of their neighbors. If taught correctly, our courses will challenge the personal perspectives with which students come to class but it is our goal to do so in ways that ultimately will be constructive to their intellectual and personal development. We encourage people from every perspective to explore Religious Studies.
Students of Religious Studies can enter a wide variety of careers that require creative thinking, subtle analysis, and strong written and oral communication skills such as journalism, publishing, international business, teaching, social work, marketing, ministry, and human relations. Even medical and law schools have historically looked favorably on students who have Religious Studies as a minor. Finally, some Religious Studies students have furthered their study of religion at graduate school and made a career within our academic field. If you are wondering how Religious Studies fits into your career goals, please contact the Religious Studies minor advisor.
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of Religious Studies courses at Cal Poly. We are currently looking forward to expanding the program and developing new opportunities on campus to learn about religions. We welcome your input in the process and encourage you to become part of the future of Religious Studies at Cal Poly.
Stephen R. Lloyd-Moffett, Ph.D.
Religious Studies Program Advisor
Philosophy Department
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
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