Comparative Study of Religion

Recent global and national political events have reinforced the fact that the study of religion is vital to understanding the world as it is today. Central problems in a wide range of fields-economics, government, sociology, history, and many others-can only be adequately addressed by taking religion into account. Literacy in religious studies indicates the ability to think critically and with historical and cultural learning about the complicated place of religious imagination, motivation, and memory in national and international affairs. Such skills have become one marker of an educated person, who is appropriately prepared for the duties and pleasures of democratic citizenship and leadership.

The Committee on the Study of Religion offers courses on religious traditions from around the world and across time. We also offer a wide range of approaches to the study of religion, including ethnographic studies of contemporary communities, psychology of religion, historical studies, and close examination of classic texts from major religious traditions. Additionally, courses from other departments can often be counted for credit toward a secondary field.

Like the concentration, the secondary field requires a combination of a) focused work in one area (a religious tradition, historical complex, or approved theme); and b) comparative or methodological courses that provide a broader framework for considering the tradition on which a student will focus.

Possible focus areas include religious traditions of the world (such as Buddhism or Islam), historical complexes (such as South Asia ), or approved thematic approaches. Approved thematic areas depend on available faculty and course offerings, and currently include religion & politics and religion & gender.

REQUIREMENTS 6 half-courses

1. Two general, methodological or comparative courses. At least one of these must be an approved introductory course (Religion 11-20 or Humanities 15) or the sophomore tutorial (Religion 97).
2. Four courses in one tradition or area of inquiry.

OTHER INFORMATION

1. Pass/Fail: Students may count one non-letter-graded half-course taken at Harvard for secondary field credit.
2. Study Abroad/Summer School: Courses from study abroad, Harvard Summer School, or other Harvard schools may be counted toward the secondary field.
3. Limited Enrollment Courses: The decision whether to grant students pursuing a secondary field in religion preference in access to seminars will be left to individual professors.

ADVISING RESOURCES AND EXPECTATIONS

Students interested in pursuing a secondary field should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Anne Monius (617-495-5736; amonius@hds.harvard.edu).