Religion: Shaping society since the beginning of time
The study of religion at UVM is a crucial part of the wider study of human cultures, global affairs, and personal identities; it is not tied to previous religious training or present religious affiliation. Religious study is the investigation of the myths, rituals, ethical systems, and social formations that human beings have created in response to what they perceive to be powers beyond the human. War and peace, states and revolutions, laws and communities have been shaped by religious aspirations and commitments. Discover the study of religion at UVM.
Religion courses that reflect faculty expertise:
- Buddhism
- Judaism
- Islam
- Christianity
- African Religions
- religion in America
- religions of China
- religions of Japan
- theories of religion & methodology
Our faculty's methodological approaches include comparative study, feminist theory, cognitive science, philosophical inquiry, social theory, and historical analysis.
Outstanding student of religion:
Congratulations to Brendan Dempsey and Jessica Davis, recipients of the 2011 Outstanding Senior Major Award.
Brendan Dempsey graduated summa cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences where he majored in Religion and Classics. This Spring he defended his honors thesis entitled "Satan, Sea, and the Son of Man: the Combat Myth and Apocalyptic Battle in the Gospel of Mark." Brendan intends to move to Jerusalem in February 2012 to work on revising his thesis for publication.
Jessica Davis graduated summa cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences with a major in Religion and a minor in Asian Studies. Her senior seminar research project focused on the relationship between an African American Muslim organization, the Nation of Islam, and its relationship to mainstream American culture. In the future Jessica has a desire to work with children especially in culturally diverse environments where she can nurture and encourage them to accept their differences.
