The study of religion is very interdisciplinary. Drawing on insights from anthropology, art, history, literature, philosophy, science, and sociology, among others, the department helps students develop a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of religion—how it works in people’s lives and its impact on societies in the past and in the present.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
|
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
|
Gods, Myths, and Religions in a Secular Age |
01:840:101 |
3 |
Religion (840) |
|
Death and Afterlife |
01:840:112 |
3 |
Religion (840) |
|
Religions in Asia |
01:840:211 |
3 |
Religion (840) |
|
Religions in the Western World |
01:840:212 |
3 |
Religion (840) |
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page. Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester. Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one: 1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue. 2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments: History (510, 508, 512, 506) Jewish Studies (563) Philosophy (730) Sociology (920) 3. In Section Status, deselect Closed 4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters. Additional Information Beyond the Classroom For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning. In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options! Details regarding our Hinduism Study Abroad program can be found here: https://global.rutgers.edu/program-search/details/winter-rutgers-hinduism-india
The requirements for religion honors can be found here: https://religion.rutgers.edu/academics/undergraduate/religion-honors
Recent alumni of the department have gone on to careers in a wide variety of fields: law school, education, working for a medical tissue bank, working in the marketing department of a corporation, working for Doctors without Borders, etc. A religion degree can also serve as a springboard for careers in journalism, publishing, government, and diplomatic service. Many students double major in religion and another subject. Recent examples include religion students who also majored in philosophy, political science, psychology, Jewish studies, and even biology and physics, to name a few.
Intro to Sociology
01:920:101
3
Sociology (920)
Introduction to the Bible I: Torah and Prose
01:563:220
3
Jewish Studies (563)
Current Moral and Social Issues
01:730:105
3
Philosophy (730)
