Mike Foat's Christian Mysticism class was the first time I’d read any mysticism, and it totally rerouted my academic interests. Mike offered me an entirely new understanding of the possibilities of language and literature.
What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Religion
Explore various religious traditions of the world—Buddhism, Christianity, East Asian religions, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism—as a religion major at Reed College. Study how these belief systems have shaped identities, economies, and politics in the past and present. Our experienced faculty offer deep insights and teach you to think critically and empathetically about the diverse ways humans have sought to answer profound and practical questions about reality.
Roadmap to the BA in Religion at Reed
In your introductory courses, get a broad overview of world religions and dive deeper into at least two religions in your advanced classes. Our comparative approach promotes a deeper understanding of the complexities and diversity within religious traditions.
Year One
Lay the Foundation
Start your Reed journey by completing the great tradition of Humanities 110. Study with other first-year students from different majors and discover the interconnectedness of human knowledge. Strengthen your critical thinking and writing skills, and prepare yourself for more scholarly work.
We believe taking courses in a second language is essential to help you study the sacred or scriptural language of a religion in which you are especially interested. Choose from Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Chinese, or Arabic. In addition, take one of two 100-level introductory courses to introduce you to a world religion.
Year Two
Expand Your Boundaries
Take Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion to learn various interpretive frameworks and methodological issues that inform religion as a critical, reflexive, academic discipline.
Your sophomore year is a great time to study abroad. Because religion is a global and comparative field of study, we encourage you to live overseas to learn about the sites, lived practices, and archives of the religions you study.
Year Three
Delve Deeper into Religious Study
Decide which two religions you want to explore further, choosing from advanced courses such as Death and the Afterlife in East Asian Religions and Ascesis in the Benedictine and Orthodox Monastic Traditions.
Complete two milestones during your third year. In your junior seminar, learn to apply research theories and methods in preparation for your senior project. Then, the junior qualifying exam measures your ability to analyze current issues in the field of religion and to research a specific religious phenomenon.
Year Four
Write Your Thesis
Use the skills you’ve learned at Reed to complete a senior thesis based on your original research. Analyze religious institutions, read primary sources, and evaluate data to create a clear and compelling paper. Work directly with a faculty supervisor who mentors you throughout the entire process. Be inspired by past senior theses topics.
Conclude your time at Reed by completing electives based on your preferences. Learn what makes something sacred in Holy Sh*t: Religious Things or discuss how religion is used to justify political action in South Asian Religious Nationalisms.
Why Study Religion at Reed College?
Expert and Friendly Faculty
Reed’s religion department boasts esteemed faculty who specialize in diverse religions: Buddhism, Christianity, East Asian religions, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Not only do they bring their deep understanding and nuanced perspectives to the classroom, but they also serve as mentors.
Our professors actively engage with students in collaborative research. Whether you join their projects or want to create your own, they provide guidance and support throughout the process.
We also foster a deep sense of community by hosting various engaging activities. Whether it’s game nights, pie and cupcake gatherings, or our Renn Fayre softball games, our events build lasting relationships and a sense of belonging within the department.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Reed College’s religion department takes pride in its intentional interdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach. Our curriculum explores the dynamic role of religions in shaping cultures, laws, and norms.
Our faculty draw on fields like anthropology, art history, literary studies, and philosophy to provide a holistic understanding of religion’s influences. By embracing diverse perspectives and methodologies, our religion major equips you to navigate the complexities and profound impact of religion in our society today.
My Favorite Courses
Millie Forman ’23
Comparative Literature
Natalya Hill ’22
Religion
Through the religion department, I have learned to employ an interdisciplinary and self-reflective approach, not only in my studies but in how I engage with the world around me. Moreover, the department has become a home for me at Reed; it’s a tight-knit community of supportive and passionate scholars—both professors and peers.
Careers for Religion Majors
Many of our religion major graduates join academia as professors after earning advanced degrees. Others take their skills in critical thinking and empathy to enter a variety of fields:
- Harm reduction specialist, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
- Cultural resources planner, Page & Turnbull
- Senior information architect, Microsoft
- Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church
- Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
- Professor, University of Southern California
- Professor, Amherst College
- Staff attorney, Nevada Supreme Court
Achievements of BA in Religion Students
Our religion students and alumni have been recognized for their expert analysis and research prowess in the field:
- Diana Wang ‘23, President’s Summer Fellowship
- Pema McLaughlin ’16, Rhodes Scholarship
- Briana Foley ‘15, President’s Summer Fellowship
- Geoff Finger Thomas ’07, Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
Religion Student Named a Rhodes Scholar
In their thesis, “Pointing at the Moon,“ Pema McLaughlin ‘16 unpacked the development and practice of Buddhism in America while posing questions about the nature of religion. Their thesis not only won the Class of ‘21 award but also helped them become Reed’s 32nd Rhodes Scholar.
