Religious Studies

Minor

How We Work

1. We believe that everyone plays a role. That's why our students are so diverse: atheists, agnostics, and followers of all faiths work side-by-side to study the religious traditions of the world. We know that spiritual beliefs and sensibilities inform the aspirations and motivations of people in every society. By seeking to understand these realities in a scholarly manner, our students develop a better understanding of their world. 
2. Our campus life informs our studies. Students from all over the world practice their traditions and faiths through a host of organizations and the Office of Spiritual Life. With so many first-hand teachers in our own community, Knox students are exposted to a plethora of cultural and spiritual information. Lectures and discussions seamlessly meld into student-led forums and celebrations, keeping the dialogue going long after the class ends. 
3. We nurture curiosity and collaboration. Becoming a liberal arts student means learning to see through multiple lenses. That's why our faculty aren't afraid to get creative: Professor of Biology Judith Thorn's course on Life examines teachings of Western traditions around life events such as birth, death, and marriage, and compares them with our evolving scientific understanding. Religious studies students hone their ability to analyze social and historical contexts, and many carry this into their graduate studies in a variety of disciplines. 
4. We strive to learn at the highest level. Our professors encourage students to challenge themselves as they seek to understand religious practice as a lived experience. That's why Introduction to Religious Studies assignments include a field report on a worshiping congregation: students are taught to apply a critical sociological lens to their first-hand observations of a religious community. But it doesn't stop there—students may present their original papers at academic forums, as Melissa Smith ‘18 and Anya Wang ‘17 did at the Midwest American Academy of Religion conference.
5. Our grads find success. Jacob Scholl ‘09 is pursuing a Master of History at Colorado State University. Robert Kurtz ‘05 is involved with Student Ministry at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Michael Owens ‘74 is an Emergency Room Physician at Mercy Hospital.