Required Courses and Policies

Structure of the major and minor

While each student's plan of study is distinct, majors and minors often begin their work in the Department with a gateway course (1000-level) and introductory courses (2000-level). These include courses introducing students to theoretical and contemporary topics in the study of Religion, as well as courses on the history, philosophy, texts, and practices of religious traditions. Students deepen their knowledge of religion by way of thematic and topical issues, traditions, and interdisciplinary methodological issues in intermediate lecture courses and seminars. They are encouraged to plan a course of study that will establish depth in one topic or tradition (for example, philosophy, mysticism, or Buddhism) as well as breadth across disciplines and regions. All majors must enroll in RELI UN3199 Theory any year after their freshman year. Minors are also invited to take Theory. Many students write a senior thesis guided by a Religion faculty member in their final year of study.
For the current term’s schedule of Religion courses, as well as those for the subsequent and upcoming terms, visit the College Bulletin or Vergil. [add links] For a list of recently taught Religion courses, including those not offered in the current and upcoming terms, visit the Undergraduate Course Descriptions page. The Director of Undergraduate Studies is also a valuable resource as you plan your Major or Minor in the department; they are available by email and during office hours.

Course Numbering in Religion

Students pursuing a degree in Religion are not expected to take courses sequentially moving from lower number courses to higher number courses. The Department’s course numbering structure primarily indicates different orientations of the courses. 

Courses are numbered by level and type:
1000-level: Gateway lecture course on "How to think about and with 'religion' as a category of inquiry" 
 2000-level: Courses surveying strands of studying religious practice specified by

• Geography (e.g. China)
• Historical period (e.g. Colonial North America)
• Communities (e.g. Judaism)
• Thematics (e.g. magic, gender, capitalism)  

3000-level: Intermediate courses focusing on a particular topic in a specific context 
4000-level: Advanced seminar focusing on a particular topic, involving student research. 

Generally speaking, only 4000-level-advanced seminars expect students to have completed some prior coursework in Religion or adjacent relevant fields. As such, students typically complete at least one other course in Religion before taking a seminar. But if there is a seminar that is of special interest to you, contact the DUS and/or instructor and ask. You might be a good fit.

Theory (UN3199)

All majors are required to take RELI UN3199 Theory and all minors are encouraged to do so. This course, offered annually in the fall by Columbia faculty, surveys a variety of historical and current theoretical and methodological approaches to the academic study of religion. The class also provides a valuable opportunity to interact with other majors and minors.   

Senior Thesis

All majors are encouraged to consider writing on a senior thesis. More information can be found here. [add internal link]

Important notes:

• Senior thesis writers may opt to enroll in three-points of “Guided Reading and Research” (UN3901) for departmental credit toward one of the major courses. 
• Religion courses that are also Global Core courses may fulfill both requirements. Otherwise, as a general rule, courses may not be counted to fulfill the requirements of more than one program’s requirements,
• Transfer students may apply to count up to two courses of transfer credit toward fulfilling the Department of Religion requirements. Requests are reviewed and granted by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.