OXFORD,
Miss. – From civil wars to international terrorism, religion’s impact
on the world is undeniable regarding both public attitude and
government policy.
To help alleviate the tensions of faith, Mary
Thurlkill, assistant professor of philosophy and religion at the
University of Mississippi, believes more college-bound students should
consider religion as an academic major. And starting in January, UM
students will have that opportunity.
“In business and culture, the global world is a part of everyday life,” said Thurlkill, who specializes in Christianity and Islam. “Understanding the various religions could be the key to maintaining stability in today’s diverse world.”
Although various courses in Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and even Voodoo have been offered at Ole Miss for years, UM students can seek a bachelor’s degree in religious studies beginning this spring.
One of America’s fastest growing academic fields, religious studies will offer students a better sense of how to critically examine religion, said Laurie Cozad, religious studies director.
“Religious studies is crucial,” she said. “It opens students’ minds to other cultures and the impact that religion has on those cultures.”
Announced at a Monday reception on the Ole Miss campus, the new degree program requires 30 core hours of religion-based course work. Students are excited, said William Lawhead, chair of philosophy and religion.
“With the growing popularity of our religion courses, there has been quite a demand for this for some time,” he said. “There are few disciplines in the university whose subject matter is not affected by religious issues.”
An interdisciplinary field, religious studies complements such disciplines as international studies, sociology, anthropology, political science, literature, art, history, modern languages and gender studies.
Maggie McDill, a senior philosophy and religion major, said the new major will offer students a credible degree in preparation for life’s pursuits.
“This is a big step for the university,” said the 22-year-old from Decatur. “Ole Miss now claims one of only two religious studies degrees in the state. It should open opportunities for a broader, more diverse class of students.” Graduating in May, McDill is considering either law school or seminary.
The humanities-based discipline enhances both critical thinking and data analysis skills and improves effective communication skills, as well as helps develop fluency in world cultures and traditions, all of which benefit multiple career paths, Thurlkill said.
“Religious studies graduates can pursue a plethora of career options,” she said. “Law school, nonprofit work, medicine, education, environmental science and, of course, religious vocations are all well-suited options.”
Classes offered in the new degree program are numerous and include Asian religions, Abrahamic traditions, saints and sexuality, religion and politics, and philosophy of religion. Future courses are expected in religion and film, religious implications of the Holocaust and comparative religious ethics.
According to the American Academy of Religion, fewer than 100 American universities and colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in religious studies.
For more information about the Department of Philosophy and Religion, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/philosophy/ .