Religion Department

Requirements

Requirements for the Major

  1. Two 100-level introductions in different religions.
  2. Religion 201 (theories and methods).
  3. At least four additional units in at least two different religions, three of which must be at the 300 level or above.
  4. Religion 402 (junior seminar) and junior qualifying examination.
  5. Religion 470 (senior thesis and religion symposium).
  6. Completion of two units in a foreign language of at least the second-year level or demonstration, by means acceptable to the department, of equivalent proficiency. To satisfy this requirement a student must do one of the following: pass a second-year language course at Reed, pass a second-year language course that has been approved by the department at another accredited college or university, or pass a language placement examination at the second-year or higher level. A number of placement examinations are offered at Reed every year during orientation. Students desiring to meet the language requirement by any means other than second-year coursework at Reed should consult with their adviser in advance. The department recommends students study the sacred or scriptural language of a religion in which they are especially interested.

For students wishing to pursue the Religion and Ancient Mediterranean Studies interdisciplinary major, please refer to the requirements in the interdisciplinary section of the Reed College Catalog.

Some students may wish to pursue an ad hoc program that is not listed with the regular interdisciplinary majors. Students should inquire with faculty advisers and departments regarding an ad hoc program. 

Requirements for an Ad Hoc Interdisciplinary Major

  1. Two 100-level introductions in different religions.
  2. Religion 201 (theories and methods).
  3. Three other units in religion.
  4. Course requirements as specified by the related discipline.
  5. Completion of two units in a foreign language of at least the second-year level or demonstration, by means acceptable to the department, of equivalent proficiency. To satisfy this requirement a student must do one of the following: pass a second-year language course at Reed, pass a second-year language course that has been approved by the department at another accredited college or university, or pass a language placement examination at the second-year or higher level. A number of placement examinations are offered at Reed every year during orientation. Students desiring to meet the language requirement by any means other than second-year coursework at Reed should consult with their adviser in advance.
  6. Religion 402 (junior seminar) and junior qualifying examination.
  7. Religion 470 (senior thesis and religion symposium).

Requirements for the Minor

  • Two 100-level introductions in different religions.
  • Religion 201 (theories and methods).
  • Two other units in religion at the 200 or 300 level, at least one of which deepens study in the same general religious tradition as one of the 100-level introductions.