The Religious Studies (RLST) Minor is an interdisciplinary minor that overlaps with many other fields of study: anthropology, literature, philosophy, psychology and among others. Religion has played a vital role in history and continues to do so in contemporary life. The degree of interaction between a religious tradition and its host society is profound, and knowledge of its religion(s) is essential for a genuine understanding of each society's culture. Students will study the nature of the belief systems of the world’s great religious traditions. Specific courses will offer the possibility of focusing one’s studies in the areas of ancient myth and shamanic traditions, Judaic and Christian studies, Islam, Asian religions, psychology of religion, philosophy of religion, anthropology and sociology of religion, religion and literature and biblical studies.
- Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of approved courses.
- Students must complete a minimum of nine upper-division (3000-level and above) credit hours of approved courses in the minor.
- Students must earn a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in all courses that apply to the minor and must achieve a minimum cumulative minor GPA of 2.0. Courses taken using P+/P/F or S/U grading cannot apply to minor requirements.
- Students must complete a minimum of nine credit hours of approved courses with CU Denver faculty.
- A maximum of 9 credits hours of independent study courses may be applied to the minor.
- Course lists in each category qualify as approved courses. Students may also seek approval from the Religious Studies program director to use a course not designated in the lists below, prior to completing the courses.
- Complete the Introductory Course
- RLST 1610 Introduction to Religious Studies
- Complete one Western and one Eastern Religion course.
- Complete nine elective credits from the approved list. Other courses, such as certain special topics, or art history courses featuring religious themes may apply, with approval from the minor advisor.
RLST 2660 World Religions*
RLST 2700/ENGL 2520 The Bible as Literature
RLST 3000 Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Affinity and Difference
RLST 3120 Islamic Traditions
RLST 3740 Biblical Traditions: Old Testament
RLST 3760 Biblical Studies: New Testament
RLST 3770 Archaeological Discoveries Relating to the Bible
RLST 4400 Differing Concepts of God*
RLST 4440/PHIL 4470 Concepts of the Soul*
RLST 4460 Death and Concepts of Afterlife*
RLST/HIST 4462 Islam in Modern History
*Fulfills requirement for either Eastern or Western religion, but not both simultaneously
RLST 2660 World Religions*
RLST/PHIL 3410 Asian Philosophies and Religions
PHIL 3981/RLST 3660 Chinese Philosophy and Culture
RLST 4080/PHIL 4720 Eastern Religious Thought
RLST 4160 Mysticism
RLST 4400 Differing Concepts of God (PHIL 4650)*
RLST 4440/PHIL 4470 Concepts of the Soul*
RLST 4460 Death and Concepts of Afterlife
* *Fulfills requirement for either Eastern or Western religion, but not both simultaneously
RLST 2660 World Religions
RLST 2700/ENGL 2520 The Bible as Literature
RLST 3000 Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Affinity and Difference
PHIL 3981/RLST 3660 Chinese Philosophy and Culture
RLST 3060 History of Early Christianity
RLST 3100/PSCI 4165 Islamic Politics and Culture
RLST 3120 Islamic Traditions
RLST/PHIL 3410 Asian Philosophies and Religions
RLST/HIST 3486 Renaissance and Reformation
RLST 3720/ENGL 3520 Religious Narratives
RLST 3740 Biblical Traditions: Old Testament
RLST 3760 Biblical Studies: New Testament
RLST 3770 Archaeological Discoveries Relating to the Bible
RLST 3800 Spirituality and Ecology in Global Societies
RLST 4000 Religion and Cultural Diversity
RLST 4020/SOCY 4610 Sociology of Religion
RLST/ETST 4030 Race, Religion and Belonging in the United States
RLST 4040 Psychology of Religion
RLST 4060/PHIL 4600 Questioning Religious Belief and Practice: Introduction to Philosophy of Religion
RLST 4080/PHIL 4720 Eastern Religious Thought
RLST 4160 Mysticism RLST 4300 Myth and Symbol
RLST 4340 The Hero's Journey
RLST 4360 Freudian and Jungian Perspectives in Dream Analysis
RLST 4400 Differing Concepts of God (PHIL 4650)
RLST/WGST 4420 Goddess Traditions
RLST 4440/PHIL 4470 Concepts of the Soul
RLST 4460 Death and Concepts of Afterlife
RLST/HIST 4462 Islam in Modern History
RLST/PHIL 4480 Perspectives on Good and Evil
RLST 4500/PSCI 4057 Religion and Politics
RLST/WGST 4710 Women and Religion
RLST 4730/ENGL 4510/WGST 4510 Whores and Saints: Medieval Women
RLST 4840 Independent Study: RLST
RLST 4880 Directed Research
Who is this Minor For?
Everyone! Humanistic studies of religion serve as an excellent addition to science-based and liberal arts curricula, as well as a stand-alone program that addresses contemporary issues and interests.
How can a minor in Religious Studies complement my major?
An interdisciplinary Religious Studies minor pairs well with many majors.
Below are some examples* of how Religious Studies might pair well with your major:
*not a comprehensive list
- Anthropology: Explores religious traditions, rituals, and their impact on societies.
- Sociology: Examines how religion shapes social structures, behaviors, and communities.
- Political Science: Useful for careers in law, diplomacy, or public policy, especially in religious or culturally diverse settings.
- Psychology: Helps understand religious influences on mental health, identity, and behavior; useful for counseling, therapy, and understanding religious influences on mental health
- Public Health: Examines religious beliefs around healthcare, end-of-life decisions, and medical ethics
- Economics: Analyzes the financial and social impact of religious institutions and charitable organizations.
- History: Provides deeper insights into the role of religion in shaping civilizations, politics, and conflicts.
- Philosophy: Complements ethical reasoning and theological discussions.
- English / Literature: Enhances the study of religious themes in literary works and historical texts.
- Art History: Examines religious symbolism, iconography, and artistic expressions of faith.
- Provides a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, enhances critical thinking skills, and equipping educators with the ability to naviagte sensitive topics in the classroom
- Assists in ethical education styles
- Business / Nonprofit Management: Prepares for leadership roles in religious organizations, charities, or ethical business practices.
- International Relations: Important for understanding religious conflicts, diplomacy, and cross-cultural engagement.
- Biology / Pre-Med: Supports careers in medical ethics, holistic medicine, and patient-centered care.
- Environmental Science: Explores the role of religion in environmental ethics and sustainability movements.
- Develops a more nuanced lens by building understanding of cultural contexts, ethics, and socio-religious factors that influence criminal behavior
- Strengthens communication skills by promoting the ability to contribute to sensitive conversations
- Enriches understanding of cultural context, symbolism, and religio-historical influences that often embed artistic expression across different societies and eras
- Allows artists to create more informed and impactful work with rich meaning
Want to Learn More?
If you have questions regarding the minor you can reach out to Religious Studies advisor Lorna Hutchison