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The academic study of religion is different from religious education in churches, synagogues, temple or other religious institutions. Religious Studies aims to understand sympathetically, but critically, the major world religions, and to explore the phenomenon of religion itself as a prominent component of human life and culture. The term "Religious Studies" refers to the scholarly study of religion. The term "religion" refers to the beliefs which individuals and groups hold about the ultimate reality (often considered to be God/s) and the nature of the Universe (including humanity's relationship to it); these beliefs are accompanied by practices (rituals) which religious practitioners feel relate them to the ultimate reality. |
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Religion is a key element in most human cultures. As our 'global village' becomes increasingly smaller, opportunities for interaction with people of other cultures, and of other faiths, is constantly increasing. Especially in view of recent acts of violence perpetrated in the name of religion, it is crucial that we make greater efforts to understand one another better. This is one of the reasons why a Religious Studies emphasis involves studying not only religious traditions that are familiar, but also prominent ones from other cultures. Understanding about religions is important for all human beings generally and can provide an important part of specific career training in medicine, politics, law, business, and education. The study of religion at Ole Miss cultivates many skills that serve students well in any career they happen to pursue, such as critical thinking, textual analysis, debating skills, curiosity, open-mindedness, ethics, decision making, and understanding other cultures and ways of life. |
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Our courses attract many students who identify strongly with a particular religious tradition and recognize that they have much to learn about its history and about the philosophical, ethical, and political questions it involves. But they also attract many students who are interested in learning about traditions from which other people draw guidance, meaning, and motivation. Some students are searching for answers to their own religious and ethical questions. Others are simply curious about forms of behavior and belief they find puzzling or intriguing. There is room for students of all these kinds in the study of religion and much for them to learn from one another. |
| The Department of Philosophy and Religion currently offers a B.A. in Philosophy with an emphasis in Religious Studies. Students in this program are required to complete a required core curriculum in both philosophy and religious studies while focusing on the study of religion. Like the BA in Philosophy the course requires a minimum of 30 hours of course work and you must earn a C or better in all courses for them to count toward the major. We also offer a Minor in Religion |
Requirements for a PHILOSOPHY
MAJOR with an Emphasis in
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Philosophy Requirements
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Philosophy Electives
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At least one of the following: (a) PHIL 351 Philosophy of Religion (3) or (b) PHIL 301 History of Philosophy I (3) or (c) PHIL 302 History of Philosophy II (3) |
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Religion Requirements
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Religion Electives
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At least Six (6) additional hours in Religion |
A MINOR IN RELIGION
Any 18 hours of religion courses. (Philosophy courses do not count
toward a religion minor.)
Dr. Laurie Cozad,
Croft Associate Professor of Religion (University of Chicago)
* Buddhism, Hinduism,
Chinese and Japanese Religion, Religion and Politics, Women's Issues in Religion
Contact: lcozad@olemiss.edu; 915-7976
Dr. Mary Thurlkill,
Assistant Professor of Religion (Indiana University)
*Abrahamic Traditions,
Christianity, Islam, Mysticism, Gender
Contact: maryt@olemiss.edu; 915-1400
Dr. Willa Johnson,
Assistant Professor of Religion (Vanderbilt University)
*Hebrew Scriptures,
Judaism, Gender & Ethnicity
Contact: wjohnson@olemiss.edu; 915-5443
Dr. Neil Manson,
Assistant Professor of Philosophy (Syracuse University)
*Philosophy of Religion
Contact: namanson@olemiss.edu; 915-6713
Dr. Michael Harrington,
Professor Emeritus (Emory University)
*Old Testament and
Judaism, New Testament and early Christianity, Women in the Bible
Contact: prmlh@olemiss.edu; 915-7020
Visit the department faculty page for more information.