Why Choose Religious Studies?
Religion Matters
Religion is a vital force in the human experience. It is exciting and energetic, powerful and persistent. Through the scope of religion, we examine human beings in their most intimate and challenging moments.
At Manhattan College, religious studies is built into the core curriculum. Every student, regardless of school or major, takes three religious studies courses, starting with The Nature and Experience of Religion. Typically, in your second year, you take a course focused on Catholicism, and in your third or fourth year, a religious studies course that focuses on global studies or contemporary issues.
The study of religion is crucial because it help us:
- Ask big questions and develop a critical depth of understanding of the world, humanity and ourselves
- Understand the past and the present for the sake of the future
- Foster empathetic engagement with the religious diversity of our world
- Become engaged and globally literate citizens
The Coursework
Religious studies is an expansive and varied field. It is ideal for students who want the greatest breadth and depth of intellectual pursuit. Our professors are scholars who offer a twofold approach to studying religion. The first is an examination of the world's great religious traditions, their scriptures, theologies and histories. The second involves studying religion as an element of the human experience in relationship to contemporary issues including:
- death
- marriage
- sexuality
- peace and social justice
- science and society
- urban problems
As a religious studies student, you will have the opportunity to take courses on:
- ancient religions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism
- Catholic intellectual tradition and Catholic social teaching
- new religious movements, religion in pop culture and cutting-edge philosophy of religion
- theories on the afterlife
- mysticism and meditation
The Hands-on Experiences
Religious studies involves much more than just sitting in a classroom and studying from a textbook. At Manhattan College, religious studies majors:
- Go on site visits to religious landmarks, cathedrals and temples around the city
- Conduct one-on-one research projects with professors
- Study abroad to learn about religious traditions and sacred sites around the world
- Intern at nonprofits, government agencies, outreach programs, schools, media organizations and businesses in New York City
- Eat, drink and celebrate to learn about religious holidays and cultural traditions
- Attend on-campus lectures given by experts in the religious studies world