Units required for Major: 39
Total units required for BA: 120
Program Description
The Department of Humanities and Religious Studies offers an integrated approach to the study of world cultures from ancient times to the present. In our courses, students undertake interdisciplinary study of core ideas, ideals, and values. The Humanities – known by Renaissance thinkers as studia humanitatis (“studies of humanity”) -- explore such subjects as literature, history, philosophy, religion, the visual arts, music, drama, and film. Religious Studies focuses on beliefs and practices of the world’s religions in their historical and cultural contexts. Employing the methods and insights of disciplines such as history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, Religious Studies approaches its subject matter with empathy while avoiding assumptions or judgments about religious truth claims.
The BA in Humanities with a Concentration in Religious Studies emphasizes religion as an aspect of culture and investigates major religious traditions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Students in all five available programs acquire concrete skills in critical thinking, analysis, research, writing, and organization that lead to attractive careers throughout the job market. Many of our students prepare for careers in teaching at the elementary level (as part of a Liberal Studies major program) or secondary level (as part of a single subject credential program in English/Humanities). Others pursue postgraduate study in the Humanities, History, Theology, and related fields in preparation for careers in teaching at the community college and university levels or in library, museum, or curatorial work. Humanities majors are also well-prepared for careers in government and fields such as law and counseling, which require interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Lower Division Courses (12 Units) | ||
| HRS 4 | Exploring World Religions 1 | 3 |
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval 1 | ||
| Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern 1 | ||
| Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval 1 | ||
| Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern 1 | ||
| Required Upper Division Courses (9 Units) | ||
| HRS 108 | Approaches to Religious Studies | 3 |
| One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series | 3 | |
| HRS 198 | Seminar in Religious Studies | 3 |
| Required Areas of Study (9-18 Units) | ||
| Select at least three of the following, at least one from each of the categories A and B: | 9 - 18 | |
| A. Religions with South and East Asian Origins | ||
| History of Buddhism 1 | ||
| Chinese Philosophy and Religion 1 | ||
| Zen Buddhism and Daoism 1 | ||
| The Confucian Tradition | ||
| India's Religions: Hindus & Buddhists 1 | ||
| The Hindu Year: Fall 1 | ||
| The Hindu Year: Spring 1 | ||
| B. Religions with West Asian Origins | ||
| Paganism in the Roman World 1 | ||
| Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament 1 | ||
| Introduction to the New Testament 1 | ||
| History of Christianity to the Reformation 1 | ||
| History of Christianity Since the Reformation 1 | ||
| Introduction To Judaism 1 | ||
| Introduction to Christianity 1 | ||
| Introduction To Islam 1 | ||
| Supporting Courses (0-9 Units) | ||
| Select up to three of the following: | 0 - 9 | |
| Approaches to the Humanities | ||
| Classical Mythology 1 | ||
| Introduction to Islamic Cultures 1 | ||
| World Mythology 1 | ||
| Great Mystics of the World 1 | ||
| Food, Farming, and the Sacred 1 | ||
| Spirit and Nature 1 | ||
| World Religions and Cultures in Cinema 1 | ||
| Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| With approval of HRS faculty advisor, advisor approval, a student may select up to two of the following: | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft and Religion | ||
| Rise of Religious Cults 1 | ||
| Communication and Religion | ||
| Native American Religion and Philosophy | ||
| African Religions and Philosophies 1 | ||
HIST 170 | 1 | |
| Philosophy Of Religion 1 | ||
| Sociology of Religion | ||
WOMS 145 | 1 | |
| Total Units | 30-48 | |
- 1
Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.
Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, foreign language study may be applied as elective units. The advisor and student together will determine if the language is appropriate to the student's area of interest in Religious Studies. Students should consult with an advisor before choosing any electives.
General Education Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units) | ||
| A1 - Oral Communication | 3 | |
| A2 - Written Communication | 3 | |
| A3 - Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (13 Units) | ||
| B1 - Physical Science | 3 | |
| B2 - Life Forms | 3 | |
| B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) | 1 | |
| B4 - Math Concepts | 3 | |
| B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area C: Arts and Humanities (3 Units) | ||
| C1 - Arts | 3 | |
| C2 - Humanities 2 | 0 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course 2 | 0 | |
| C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 2 | 0 | |
| Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units) | ||
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course | 3 | |
| Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. | 3 | |
| Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units) | ||
| Area E Course | 3 | |
| Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units) | ||
| Area F Course | 3 | |
| Total Units | 40 | |
- 1
To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
- 2
Required in Major; also satisfies GE.
Graduation Requirements1
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units) | ||
| American Institutions: U.S. History | 3 | |
| American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (WI) | 3 | |
| Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units) | ||
| English Composition II | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE) | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 2 | 6 | |
- 1
To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.
Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.
- 2
If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html
The following roadmaps are sample planning resources. Please consult your academic advisor and Academic Catalog for graduation requirements as you develop your individualized academic plan.
Humanities (Religious Studies), BA: 4-Year Roadmap
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Units | |
| HRS 4 | Exploring World Religions | 3 |
| HRS 21 | First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person | 3 |
| HRS 10 |
Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval 3 or Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern or Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval or Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern |
3 |
| GE Area 1A - English Composition 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 1C - Oral Communication 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| HRS 11 |
Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern 3 or Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval or Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval or Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern |
3 |
| GE Area 1B - Critical Thinking (HRS 60 recommended) 3 | 3 | |
| GE Area 2 - Mathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 3A - Arts 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 6 - Ethnic Studies 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| HRS 70 |
Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval 3 or Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval or Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern or Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern |
3 |
| HRS 108 | Approaches to Religious Studies | 3 |
| ENGL 20 | College Composition II | 3 |
| GE Area 5A - Physical Science 2 | 3 | |
| GR American Institutions (US History) 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| HRS Areas of Study, Group A - Religions with South and East Asian Origins 3 | 3 | |
| GE Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 5B - Biological Science 2 | 3 | |
| GE Area 5C - Laboratory 2 | 1 | |
| GR American Institutions (GOVT) 2 | 3 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| HRS Areas of Study, Group B - Religions with West Asian Origins 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences 2 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Semester 1 2 | 4 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| HRS Areas of Study, Group A or B 3 | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (HRS 168 recommended) 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 5 or 2 - Science or Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Semester 2 2 | 4 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 3 - Arts or Humanities 2 | 3 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| HRS 198 | Seminar in Religious Studies | 3 |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Elective of Choice | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 123 | |
Humanities (Religious Studies), BA: 2-Year Roadmap
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Units | |
| HRS 108 | Approaches to Religious Studies | 3 |
| HRS Areas of Study, Group A - Religions with South and East Asian Origins 3 | 3 | |
| HRS Areas of Study, Group B - Religions with West Asian Origins 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Semester 1 2 | 4 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| HRS Areas of Study, Group A or B 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive (HRS 168 recommended) 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 5 - Physical or Biological Science 2 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language Semester 2 2 | 4 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| First Semester | ||
| HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 3 - Arts or Humanities 2 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 4 - Social & Behavioral Sciences + GR American Institutions (GOVT) 2 | 3 | |
| GR American Institutions (US History) 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| HRS 198 | Seminar in Religious Studies | 3 |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division HRS Supporting Course 3 | 3 | |
| Upper Division GE Area 5 or 2 - Science or Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning 2 | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 62 | |
- 1.
Any course not completed in the first semester should be taken in the second or a later semester.
- 2.
Please see General Education/Graduation Requirement course options.
- 3.
Please see an academic advisor for elective options.