Religion |
A major or minor in Religion at Drake University is a study of sacred texts and their interpretation, of theological and ethical reasoning, of the breadth of religious thinking and practice, and of the meaning of the religious quest for a comprehensive understanding of reality. Our courses can prepare students for an understanding of the diverse religious traditions of the world, for graduate professional training for ministry, for an active religious life, or for critical reflection on the ways in which human communities experience and describe the sacred.
DEGREE OPTIONS
Bachelor of Arts in religion
PROGRAM SIZE
Approximately 25 students are enrolled in the major and minor. Most of our classes are open to non-majors and minors as well; classes range in size from 10 to 50 students.
FACULTY
The Department of Religion and Philosophy has five full-time faculty, two of whom are primarily engaged in teaching religion courses. There are also part-time faculty who augment our religion offerings.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the religion program, but students should have a well-rounded academic high school curriculum.
REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES FOR A MAJOR
The major requires 39 hours of coursework distributed over 7 categories: introduction to religion; religious traditions; bible; ethics, society, and culture; theories of religion; theology; and a senior seminar. No more than 15 hours may be in courses numbered below 100. (See the Philosophy and Religion website for a more thorough description of the major requirements.)
REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES OUTSIDE MAJOR
The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.
The Drake Curriculum also requires first-year seminars, which foster development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus; and a Senior Capstone, in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills and ideas to bear on one project.
REQUIRED CREDIT HOURS AND COURSES FOR A MINOR
The minor requires 18 hours of coursework in the following 5 categories: introduction to religion; bible; ethics, society, and culture; theories of religion; elective. No more than 12 hours may be in course numbered below 100. (See the Philosophy and Religion website for a more thorough description of the minor requirements.)
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES/INTERNSHIPS
Students preparing for ministry are encouraged to participate in apprenticeships under local religious leaders. Majors and minors are also encouraged to study abroad.
CAREER OPTIONS
The major and minor in religion are non-professional, but are fine preparation for graduate school or seminary. Students who major or minor in religion also go to law school, into business, charitable organizations, and government.
ORGANIZATIONS
The Delphian Society is an organization for discussions in philosophy and religion.
NOTED ALUMNI
- Ed Fallon, DV'86, Iowa state representative, Des Moines, IA
- Tony Simon, DV'99, Fortress Press
- Linda Betts, DV'84, staff chaplain, Central Iowa Health System, Des Moines, IA
- Erica Harris, DV'99, Lutheran Social Services
Visit the Religion Department website
