Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/arts-sciences/departments/philosophy-religious-studies/index.html

Faculty

Associate Professor Chris Jones, PhD

Mission

Consistent with the missions of the University and the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies is dedicated to providing high quality undergraduate courses in philosophy and religious studies, to providing the educational foundations for life-long critical thinking, to engaging in research and scholarly activities in these and related areas and to serving the University and its various communities. The Department emphasizes excellence in teaching undergraduate students.

Description of Discipline

Religious Studies is not just the study of religion. It begins with serious reflection on what we mean by “religion” and whether we all mean the same thing when we say it. Is religion a ubiquitous human phenomenon, the very thing that makes us human (as some have claimed)? Is religion about humanity’s search for cosmic meaning, or is it a technique for social cohesion (and control), or is it a projection of our desires and fears, or is it something else entirely? These perspectives (and others) will be entertained and evaluated in religious studies courses at Washburn University.

Student Learning Outcomes

Religious Studies students at Washburn University, upon graduation, are expected to be able to:

• Identify central practices and historically significant developments within several different global religious traditions.
• Use a variety of different theoretical models to interpret and explain local religious expressions (including texts, artifacts, symbols, and behaviors).
• Communicate effectively about religion in a variety of different academic, civic, and job-related genres (oral and written).
• Assess the accuracy and credibility of information about religion in social settings, in public speech, and in print and electronic media.
• Analyze and contribute to the solution of complex problems that result from the intersection of religion with culture, society, economy, history, and politics.
• Evaluate their own religious biases and commitments and how they relate to people who act differently from themselves.

Religious Studies Program Honors

Religious Studies majors desiring to earn religious studies program honors must meet the following minimum requirement:  graduating with at least a 3.5 overall and program GPA.

Programs

Course Offerings