Religious Studies
The goal of the Religious Studies Department is to nurture students' curiosity about societies around the globe from ancient to contemporary times and how they have made meaning, transcended boundaries, and found ways to live well; think critically about diversity within and among religious traditions; examine the intersections of religion and society, politics, and culture; and do all this while employing a range of approaches, methods, and theories.
About the Major
The Religious Studies Department offers students the opportunity to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, analysis, and research through the study of diverse religious traditions. Our courses explore the texts, objects, spaces, and lived experiences connected with religious traditions and cultures, as well as the art, films, and other forms of cultural expression that represent them.
Students Will Learn To:
- Demonstrate understanding of multiple religious traditions
- Articulate a critical understanding of the category of religion and related terms
- Communicate clearly, coherently, and effectively about religion and religious traditions
- Analyze the intersections of religion with human cultures and the natural world
A Sampling of Courses
Religion and Media
Investigates the role of various media in shaping religious traditions especially Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. Beginning with studies of orality and literacy, we move into the impact of the printing press, then electronic media including Internet and video games. (Application)
Explore these select courses:
Meet Our Faculty
Quincy Newell
Walcott-Bartlett Professor of Humanistic Studies, Chair of Religious Studies
American religious history; religion in the American West; interreligious contact; religious experience of racial/ethnic and religious minorities; Native American and African American religious history; Mormonism; gender and religion
Early Christianity Late Antiquity New Testament Ancient Judaism
religion and media, religion and popular culture, comparative religions, blasphemy and controversial art, religious life in the U.S.
Jeffrey McArn
Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies and Levitt Center Justice Lab
Careers After Hamilton
Hamilton graduates who concentrated in religious studies are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Brand Coordinator, Legendary Entertainment
- Upper School Dean of Students, American School of Madrid
- Rabbinical Student, Hebrew Union College
- Director of Development, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
- Gerontologist, Gateway Adult Center
- Director of Youth & Education Justice, Children’s Defense Fund-NY
- Clinical Social Worker, Morris Foundation
Explore Hamilton Stories
Learning by Experiencing the Mormon Faith
This semester I’m taking “Mormonism in America and the World” taught by Professor of Religious Studies Quincy Newell. I chose this class because I am interested in learning about a religion that is highly stigmatized and controversial. I was also intrigued by how the course explores the public perceptions of Mormonism and how they shape the religion.
Rodríguez-Plate Publishes Book Chapters
Professor of Religious Studies S. Brent Rodríguez-Plate recently published contributions to two edited volumes.
Ravven on Voting as “Science and Ceremony”
Professor of Religious Studies Heidi Ravven recently discussed “Science and Ceremony” in an invited lecture at the European Society for Medicine Annual Congress in Vienna.
Contact
Department Name
Religious Studies Department
Contact Name
Quincy Newell, Chair
Clinton, NY 13323
