B.A. in Religious Studies

Religious studies is an academic discipline which seeks to embrace a comprehensive view of the meaning of religion and how it is expressed in the various faith traditions of the people of the world. The department of religious studies at Niagara University seeks to assist students to come to a deepened appreciation of religion as an integrating value in human life, as well as a greater understanding of how the world's faith traditions, especially Christianity, influence persons, cultures and international relations by contributing answers to the basic human questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? The religious studies program is structured as well as flexible to assure the program serves each student’s needs. The goals include the development of an understanding of the Judeo/Christian tradition in the spirit of the Catholic and Vincentian heritage of Niagara University. This is accomplished through the exploration of unity and diversity in the dialogue between Christianity and the world religions by study of sacred texts, beliefs, symbols, rituals and communities. The major program in religious studies includes four interrelated areas of study: comparative religion, biblical studies, Christianity, and Christian ethics. A candidate for this degree must complete courses in each area for a total of 10 units plus the 3 for the general University requirement, for a total of 13 units overall. Units assigned to each area of study may, with departmental advisement, be modified to meet the career needs of the student. Goals The goals include the development of an understanding of the Judeo/Christian tradition in the spirit of the Catholic and Vincentian heritage of the University. This is accomplished through the exploration of unity and diversity in the dialogue between Christianity and the World Religions by study of sacred texts, beliefs, symbols, rituals and communities. The program also explores how religion entails an ethical response to the personal, social, cultural and political problems of our time. Mission The Religious Studies Program at Niagara is designed to assist students to understand the religious dimension of human life as it influences persons, cultures and the world.