Program Overview
The Religious Studies Program at Cal State L.A. was established in the early 1980s. The program aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of the complexity of the many dimensions of religion, the analytical methodologies in comparative religious studies, and the particular characteristics of the major religious traditions of the world as well as the so-called ‘new religions’ and the ‘new spirituality movement’. Its courses have a strong interdisciplinary focus, emphasizing anthropological, historical, literary, philosophical, political, and sociological approaches to the study of religion.
In addition to its own classes, the Program includes offerings in the departments of Anthropology, Art, Chicano Studies, English, History, Latin American Studies, Modern Languages and Literatures, Philosophy, and Sociology, with new interdepartmental courses continuing to be developed. Religious Studies is also well-integrated into the General Education program at Cal State L.A., with regular course offerings on such topics as Gender in the Diversity of World Religions and Emotion in Religion attracting large numbers of students from a wide range of majors.
The Program currently offers a minor in religious studies.
Why Pursue a Minor in Religious Studies?
- personal interest and enrichment
- professional opportunities in journalism, social work, public service, etc.
- desire to research and better understand the multiple traditions and issues shaping the world’s religious diversity and complexity
- interest in pursuing a graduate degree whether in religious studies or in any humanities or social science field
- an opportunity to include an additional diverse and inter-disciplinary 24-unit minor into your Cal State L.A. B.A.
The minor requires one course on the methods, concepts, and interdisciplinary approaches of religious studies (RELS/PHIL 200), plus five additional elective classes emphasizing such topics as:
- Asian Religious Traditions and Philosophies
- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
- Religion, Migration and Identity in the Americas
- Religion, Science, and Medicine
- Mysticism, Magic, and Witchcraft
- Mythology, Religion, and Literature
- Gender, Sexuality, and Religion
For further information, including program advisement, contact:
Religious Studies ProgramHistory Department, KH C4066
Cal State L.A.
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
E-mail: relstudies@calstatela.edu
Program Director: Prof. Scott Wells
On-campus Office: King Hall, A4026
Office hours by appointment.
E-mail Dr. Wells at relstudies@calstatela.edu.