Religious Studies Minor
Loyola University Chicago offers a minor in Religious Studies in the Department of Theology.
Related Programs
Curriculum
A minor in Religious Studies requires 6 courses taken from within the Theology department. In addition to the three required Core-level courses, three electives must be taken at the 300 level. Students must study at least two (2) major world religions and take a range of other courses. Each program is individually tailored to fit the student's plans in consultation with the undergraduate program director.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Traditions | 3 | |
| Christian Theology 1 | ||
| Christian Ethics | ||
| New Testament | ||
| Sacraments and the Christian Imagination | ||
| Jesus Christ | ||
| Roman Catholicism | ||
| Christianity Through Time | ||
| Christian Thought: Ancient-Medieval | ||
| Christian Thought: Reformation to Modern | ||
| Non-Christian Religious Tradition Course | 3 | |
| Judaism | ||
| Hinduism | ||
| Islam | ||
| Buddhism | ||
| Religions of Asia | ||
| Religious Comparisons Course | 3 | |
| Introduction to Religious Studies | ||
| Global Religious Ethics | ||
| Religion & Gender | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
| Select three THEO 300-Level or Higher Electives | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
Eligible students may substitute HONR 101 Western Traditions - Antiquity to the Middle Ages/HONR D101 Developments Western Thought I Discussion, THEO 190 Loyola's Mission: Ignatian Traditions, or PHIL 190 Loyola's Mission: The Philosophical Vision for THEO 100 Christian Theology
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for the minor. Students should consult the undergraduate program director for assistance with course selection.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| Religious Comparisons Course (THEO 107) | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| Non-Christian Traditions Course (200-Level or Higher)) | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| Christian Traditions Course (THEO 200-Level Course) | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEO 300-Level Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| THEO 300-Level Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| THEO 300-Level Elective Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Transfer-Student Residency Requirement
At least 9 credit hours of RELS-MINR requirements must be completed at Loyola.
Double-Dipping Policy
This department observes the CAS Double-Dipping Policy regarding unique credits required for each declared major/minor.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Religious Studies Minor should be able to:
- Explain the history of different ways of understanding the category of religion.
- Describe two or more religions within their particular contexts.
- Describe relationships between a religion and other social contexts.
- Describe approaches to ethics in two or more religions while noting internal diversities.
- Write a research paper using academic sources and methods in Religious Studies.