Religious Studies

Dennis Knepp
509.793.2190
religiousstudies@bigbend.edu

Religious studies courses may be taken as part of the Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree. These courses may be used toward the Humanities Breadth requirement or for Specified or General Elective credit. Students seeking Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree should refer to the catalog section “Degrees & Certificates” for a detailed description of the degree, its program outcomes, and courses that will satisfy degree requirements.

A person majoring in religious studies might be preparing to be a member of the clergy, a church lay leader, or a teacher of religious studies. The purpose of religious studies is to seek to understand religion as an intellectual, historical, and cultural phenomenon. Big Bend’s religious studies courses are designed to acquaint students with what members of various religions believe and why they believe what they do. Particular emphasis is placed on the basis for the major similarities and differences among religions and between denominations within religions.

Since programs differ at each college, students should consult program outlines published by the college or university to which they intend to transfer. The following recommended courses prepare students for most baccalaureate institutions. Students should prepare their quarterly schedules with the assistance of an advisor knowledgeable in this transfer area.

Recommended Pre-Major Courses

REL 201 World Religions

REL 211 Religion in America