The Department of Classics and World Religions, with its new name and faculty as of July 2003, provides core faculty for the required courses in the world religions major. The student in the World Religions Major (CLWR) will gain both a theoretical knowledge of the components and dynamics of religions and a specific knowledge of religious ideas and practices in the area of specialization. Core courses cover methodological issues, the bases of Western civilization in the Biblical and Classical texts, and the roles of the different religions in non-Western cultures. Elective courses concentrating on various areas may be taken within the department and/or in a number of other departments and programs. The study of a language to fulfill the language requirement should also be relevant to the area of specialization.
The major in World Religions includes the study of both the major literate traditions and also significant non-literate cultures. Although many methodologies and disciplines are involved, the department’s basic approach to all religious phenomena is within the tradition of Humanities scholarship.
Courses in World Religions are of interest to many graduate programs at Ohio University. Especially relevant are the International Studies programs, Interdisciplinary Arts, History, and various Humanities departments. Some CLWR undergraduate courses are double-listed so that graduate students can benefit from these courses (with additional research and papers).
The demand for people knowledgeable in the religions of this increasingly smaller globe is growing, as the United States is also becoming increasingly diverse religiously. Expertise in the study of a number of religious traditions benefits students preparing for careers in journalism, politics, and business. It can also be part of one’s preparation for a professional career in religion, such as the ministry or rabbinate. Often pre-professionals are encouraged to pursue a broad liberal arts education in which World Religions may be a significant component.
Curriculum
Minimum of 45 hours in CLWR, CLAS, CLAR, plus at least one extra-departmental course from list under C below. The 45 hours include the Senior Research Project (CLWR 490 and 491). At least 16 hours above 300 (not including 490, 491 or 498 Independent Study). At least two years study in a language relevant to the emphasis area which must be approved by the department.
A. Basic core courses (10 hours)
| CLWR 181: Introduction to Religion | 4 hrs. |
| OR | |
|---|---|
| CLWR 387: Theories of Religion | 4 hrs. |
| OR | |
| CLWR 481 (PHIL 452): Myth and Symbolism | 4 hrs. |
| These courses explore the various facets of religion and methodologies for studying religious traditions. The 400 level course is desirable for all majors but the elementary introduction can serve to fulfill this component. | |
| AND | |
| CLWR 490 Senior Research | 2 hrs. |
| CLWR 491 Senior Research Writing | 4 hrs. |
B. Breadth of Knowledge- at least four courses (17 hours)
| CLWR 301: Old Testament | 5 hrs. |
| OR | |
|---|---|
| CLWR 302: New Testament | 5 hrs. |
| AND | |
| CLAS 231: Human Aspirations - Greeks, Romans | 4 hrs. |
| OR | |
| CLAS 255: Pagan to Christian in Late Antiquity | 4 hrs. |
| Plus two of the following: | |
| CLWR 321: Hinduism | 4 hrs. |
| CLWR 331: Buddhism | 4 hrs. |
| CLWR 311: Islam | 4 hrs. |
| CLWR 341: Taoism | 5 hrs. |
C. Extra-departmental courses - at least 1 course (4 hours)
This course does not count toward the 45 hours in the major.
| ANTH 357: Anthropology of Religion | 4 hrs. |
| ENG 304: English Bible | 4 hrs. |
| GEOG 336: Religious Space and Place | 4 hrs. |
| PHIL 260: Philosophy of Religion | 4 hrs. |
| SOC 428: Sociology of Religion | 4 hrs. |
D. Emphasis area - at least 12 hours
Emphasis area courses are in addition to the courses which fulfill the requirements listed above under B.
Other emphasis areas may be developed with the approval of the advisor and department. These individual emphasis areas may be topical or historical and must include more than one religious tradition. Individual emphasis areas may include courses from other departments and colleges, e.g. Psychology, Art History.
Standard emphasis areas:
| a. Ancient Mediterranean | |
| CLAR 361: Greek Cities and Sanctuaries | 4 hrs. |
| CLAS 231: Human Aspirations | 4 hrs. |
| CLAS 255: Pagan to Christian | 4 hrs. |
| CLAS 234: Classical Mythology | 4 hrs. |
| CLAS 311: Gods and Heroes in Greek Epic | 4 hrs. |
| HIST 329B: Ancient Greece | 4 hrs. |
| HIST 329C: Ancient Rome | 4 hrs. |
| HIST 353A: Early Middle Ages | 4 hrs. |
| PHIL 418: Plato | 5 hrs. |
| PHIL 419 Aristotle | 5 hrs. |
| b. Asia | |
| CLWR 321: Hinduism | 4 hrs. |
| CLWR 331: Buddhism | 4 hrs. |
| CLWR 311: Islam | 4 hrs. |
| CLWR 341: Taoism | 4 hrs. |
| HIST 345A Southeast Asia to 1750: Creat. Synth. | 4 hrs. |
| HIST 346C Ancient China | 4 hrs. |
| HIST 348A Traditional Japan | 4 hrs. |
Minor in World Religions
The minor in World Religions consists of a minimum of 28 hours in courses under the prefix CLWR. CLWR 181: Introduction to Religion must be taken.
Among the 300-level courses which survey the major religious texts and traditions, at least one course must be about one of the Abrahamic religions (Old Testament, New Testament, and Islam) and at least one course about traditions originating in India or China (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism).
At least two courses must be in classroom courses numbered above 400. (CLWR 498: Independent Study is not a classroom course.)