Requirements

Students of the Interdisciplinary Study of Religions Program at Bard College engage in all the major global traditions by means of critical study and reflection. Choices of tradition are a matter of their personal interest and inclination, but the critical pursuit of understanding connects the work of faculty and students alike. Students may pursue their interests through the offerings of many programs within the College, while honing their skills in the analysis of their own preferred topics, and developing a self-aware perspective of what is involved in studying religions.
 

Program Requirements

  • Course Requirements
    Prior to Moderation, a student should have pursued three elective courses in the Interdisciplinary Study of Religions, and three after that. Among those electives, at least three traditions among the five that are regularly represented must be addressed. After Moderation, the theoretical course entitled “Imagining Religion” is required of Juniors, while Seniors are to take the Colloquium, as well as the Senior Project.
  • Relevant Language Study
    Students are encouraged but not required to study a language relevant to the particular religion that provides the focus for their Senior Project. Relevant languages taught at Bard and supported by faculty in Religion include Arabic, Aramaic, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin, and Sanskrit.
    More About Language Study
  • Senior Project
    Each Senior Project in Religion represents the student’s sustained investigation. Both “Imagining Religion,” the Junior seminar that develops the critical theory deployed in analysis, and the Colloquium are organized to aid each major in formulating an area for more concentrated study. The Senior Project should reflect a sustained analysis of a carefully defined topic in the critical study of religion.
    More About Senior Project

Course Requirements for Students Minoring in Religion

Any two courses in Religion prior to Moderation, and two elective courses in Religion thereafter. Among those electives, at least two traditions must be addressed. After Moderation, “Imagining Religion” is required of juniors, while seniors are encouraged to enroll in the Colloquium.

Sample Courses

Below is a collection of previous course titles. Use the link below to view the courses currently offered.

Current Course List