StudyQA — Bachelor: Religion — Hampshire College (Page 4)

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

Experience the rich and diverse field of Religious Studies at Hampshire College, where students explore the multifaceted dimensions of religion across cultures, histories, and societies. Our program offers a holistic approach to understanding the ways in which religion shapes human experience, influences social structures, and informs artistic and philosophical traditions. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students examine major religious traditions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous spiritual practices, while also engaging with contemporary issues like secularism, religious conflict, and interfaith dialogue. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical reflection, preparing students to navigate and contribute thoughtfully to a world where religion continues to play a vital role.

At Hampshire College, we believe in experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in community-based projects, field studies, and internships that deepen their understanding of religious practices and communities. Our faculty, distinguished scholars and practitioners, guide students through rigorous inquiry into sacred texts, rituals, beliefs, and philosophies, fostering a nuanced appreciation of religious diversity and commonality. The program also emphasizes the importance of studying religion within its social, political, and cultural contexts, enabling students to analyze contemporary issues such as religious pluralism, human rights, and global conflicts.

Graduates of our Religious Studies program are well-equipped for careers in education, social services, public policy, non-profit work, journalism, and further academic research. They emerge with a sophisticated understanding of the role of religion in shaping personal identities and societal structures. Hampshire College's unique interdisciplinary approach ensures that students not only acquire knowledge about religious traditions but also develop skills in critical analysis, cross-cultural communication, and ethical reasoning, making them thoughtful and engaged global citizens. Join us to explore the profound and pervasive influence of religion in human history and contemporary life.

Exploring the Divine Feminine
American Religious Experience: Literary and Historical Perspectives
The American Transcendentalists
Asian Religious Texts and Traditions
Augustine
Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity in the U.S.
Buddhist Traditions
Culture, Religion, and Environmentalism
Daoism, Shamanism, and Shinto: Indigenous Religions of East Asia.
Decoding Zen Buddhism
The English Bible
Exploring the Divine Feminine
High Spirits: Reading and Writing about Spiritual Experience
Intro to the Buddhist Meditation Tradition
Intro to Tibetan Religion: The Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
Mystics and Texts
Myth and Myth Theory
Myth, Belief, and Reality in World Literature
Nuns, Saints, and Mystics in Medieval and Early Modern Europe
Religion in Modern India
Religious Experience and Literary Form
The Rise of Secular Jewish Culture
Topics in Comparative Religion
Sacred to the Secular: The Performing Arts of Asia
Science in the Islamic World
Text, Canon, Tradition: Scriptures and Their Emergence in World Religions
Theories of Religion
Yoga Traditions: Philosophy, Practice and Narrative
Ancient Israel (AC)
Buddhist Philosophy (SC)
Intro to the Qu'ran (MHC)
Intro to Philosophy of Religion (MHC)
Mary Images and Cults (SC)
The Meaning of Life (SC)
Religious Movements in America (MHC)
Sacred Sound (AC)

Requirements

Common Application
An academic paper in English
Supplemental essay responses
Current transcripts
School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
Certification of Finances form
TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
Additional letters of recommendation, up to three