Religious Studies

Major or Minor in

Religious Studies

Are you curious about how different people's beliefs and values influence their actions? Do you wonder how belonging to different communities, religious and otherwise, shapes the way people think about themselves? How different teachings or stories that people consider sacred generate meaning and purpose in their everyday lives? Religious studies majors at Linfield seek answers to questions like these, and they strive to understand how different persons (religious and otherwise) have answered them. In our program, expert faculty will help you choose courses tailored to your personal interests and encourage you to go beyond the classroom to gain direct experiences with different religious groups and individuals in local and global communities.

Visit the Religious Studies Department

As a religious studies major at Linfield

you might take:

Women in Religion

See how women are depicted in the Bible or other religious literature and examine the various roles women play in religious traditions. (RELS 342)

Pilgrimages: Sacred Journeys

Learn about the significance of pilgrimage in several religious traditions and go on your own sacred journey. (RELS 320)

Buddhist Narrative

Learn how to read religious texts as literature while you explore many types of Buddhist literature from past-life stories to enlightenment poems. (RELS 373)

Religious studies at Linfield

Learning Outcomes

Provide evidence of exposure to some of the historical and cultural diversity of global religious traditions.

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Demonstrate critical thinking about religion, drawing upon various scholarly understandings of religion and its place in human life.

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Show depth of study in either one religious tradition (at least) or the religions of one geographically, culturally or historically circumscribed area (for instance, Biblical studies, Buddhist studies, American religions, Asian religions, etc.).

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Engage, at least once, a “constructive” approach to the study of religion, such as religious ethics, practical theology or comparative philosophy of religions.

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Take opportunities (one or more) for personal growth and reflection through experiential learning.

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Intern in all areas of religious studies

Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and further develop your professional skills. Some companies where religious studies majors at Linfield have found internship placements include:

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

Request more information

Have questions about religious studies at Linfield? Reach out! We'd love to connect with you.

David V. Fiordalis
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Pioneer Hall
503-883-2569
dfiordal@linfield.edu