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Department of Religion and Philosophy

Religion Major/Minor

Otterbein student readingAnyone wishing to understand more about what life is about will find the study of religion rewarding. The academic study of religion involves looking at religious beliefs and practices in a careful, analytic, and objective manner, and studying other religious traditions in their own contexts. The academic study of religion neither expects nor requires that students be believers in any religion.

A degree in religion from Otterbein College prepares students to apply for professional ministerial study at the seminary level or graduate study in religion and/or theology, as well as in a variety of humanities disciplines.

For information on how religion majors perform on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), click here.

All of the following religion courses are 5 credit hours each (except, possibly, for RELG 390 and 490).

Major

Requirements in the major (at least 45 total hours):

  • PHIL 260 - Philosophy of Religion
  • RELG 100 - Introduction to Religion
  • RELG 140 - Introduction to Judaism and the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)
  • RELG 150 - Introduction to the New Testament
  • RELG 340 - Buddhism and Zen
  • RELG 400 - Seminar in Religion: A Senior Capstone course
  • Additional electives to reach a minimum of 45 total hours. At least 15 of the 45 total hours must be taken at the 300/400 level in an Otterbein classroom.

Electives

  • RELG 210 - History of Christianity
  • RELG 220 - Religion in America
  • RELG 230 - The Life and Teachings of Jesus
  • RELG 240 - Religion in Popular Literature and Film
  • RELG 270 - Woman and Religion
  • RELG 290 - Native American Religions
  • RELG 300 - Contemporary Religious Thought
  • RELG 310 - Paul and His Letters
  • RELG 350 - The Muslim Faith and Its Place in the Modern World
  • RELG 360 - Gender and Sex in the World's Mythology
  • RELG 390 - Independent Study
  • RELG 490 - Internship

Minor

Required (at least 25 total hours):

  • RELG 100 - Introduction to Religion
  • Remaining hours from among any other RELG courses.

Requirements in the Otterbein Core Curriculum (for all majors):

  • Integrative Studies - 50 hrs.
  • Foreign Language - 10 hrs.
  • Mathematics - 5 hrs.
  • Health and Physical Education Lifestyle Series - 3 hrs.
  • Senior Year Experience - hours depend upon course selected - or Completion of Honors Program