BA in Humanities (Religious Studies)

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

Required Lower Division Courses (12 Units)
HRS 4Exploring World Religions 13
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 108Approaches to Religious Studies3
One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series3
HRS 198Seminar in Religious Studies3
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
Religions of India I: The Formative Period 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 Units30-48

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

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking3
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (13 Units)
B1 - Physical Science3
B2 - Life Forms3
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5)1
B4 - Math Concepts3
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 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities 20
C1/C2 - Area C Course 20
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements. 20
Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course3
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)
Area E Course3
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units40

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI)3
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 26