Religion and Cultural Studies is a B.A. program designed to familiarize students with religious traditions around the world, from ancient through contemporary cultures, as well as to introduce students to critical theories and methods through which to view and analyze the category of religion and its associated concepts, practices, and meanings in all areas of life. The program emphasizes the academic study of religion and does not privilege any particular tradition or belief.
Religion and Cultural Studies (B.A.) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
- Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog.
- Co-op or internship credit cannot be used in this major without prior approval by the chair.
- Students must earn at least a "C" (2.0) in each required course.
- Students should consult with a departmental advisor.
- Departmental Residency Requirement consists of at least 18 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the UCF Philosophy Department.
- Courses designated in General Education Program and Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.
- No more than 3 courses (i.e. 9 credit hours) of 3000 or 4000 level courses applied to the B.A. in Religion and Cultural Studies may be simultaneously applied to fulfill another major.
Online Religion and Cultural Studies, BA
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements: Basic Level
3 Total Credits
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete the following:
- REL2300 - World Religions (3)
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- PHI2010 - Introduction to Philosophy (3)
- HUM2020 - Encountering the Humanities (3)
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- HUM2210 - Studies in Culture: Ancient to 17th Century (3)
- HUM2230 - Studies in Culture: 17th Century to Present (3)
- Studying Religion and Culture
- Complete the following:
- REL2000 - Introduction to Religion and Cultural Studies (3)
- GEP Courses : REL 2300, PHI 2010, HUM 2020, HUM 2210, HUM 2230
Core Requirements: Advanced Level
27 Total Credits No Rules
Traditions
12 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Must select at least one course in each category from the Philosophy Department
Abrahamic Traditions- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- REL3403 - Christianity (3)
- REL3363 - Islam (3)
- REL3320 - Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (3)
- REL3432 - Mysticism (3)
- JST3401 - Jewish People in Antiquity (3)
Asian and Indigenous Traditions- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- REL3340 - Buddhism (3)
- REL3333 - Hinduism (3)
- REL3123 - Asian Religions in America (3)
- ANT3245 - Native American Religions (3)
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Abrahamic Traditions or Asian and Indigenous Traditions
Theories and Methods
15 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Must select one in each category
Religion- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- REL4157 - Religion and Psychoanalysis (3)
- PHI3700 - Philosophy of Religion (3)
- PHI3720 - Faith and Reason (3)
- REL4936 - Key Figures in Religion and Cultural Studies (3)
- REL4496 - Key Concepts in Religion and Cultural Studies (3)
Cultural Studies- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- HUM3805 - Critical Theory in the Humanities (3)
- HUM3326 - Theories of Sex and Gender in Humanities (3)
- HUM4459 - American Cultural Studies in Humanities (3)
- HUM4823 - Queer Theory in the Humanities (3)
- HUM4826 - Postcolonial Theory (3)
- PHH3600 - Contemporary Philosophy (3)
Religion in Culture- Complete all of the following
- Must select three from the following with at least one from the Philosophy Department:
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
- REL3101 - Religion in Popular Culture (3)
- REL3111 - Religion and Philosophy Through Film (3)
- REL3115 - Religion, Spirituality, and Popular Music (3)
- REL3130 - Religion in America (3)
- REL4110 - Religion and the Arts (3)
- REL4180 - Religion and Medicine (3)
- REL4178 - Religion and Law (3)
- PHI3033 - Philosophy, Religion, and the Environment (3)
- ANT3241 - Magic, Ritual, and Belief (3)
- POT4632 - Religion and Politics (3)
- SYO4200 - Religion in Society (3)
Restricted Electives
3 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: Any course from Traditions, Theories and Methods, or Religion in Culture not being used to satisfy those categories can be used here.
- Note: Related courses may be substituted with consent of Religion and Cultural Studies advisor.
- A list of approved restricted elective courses is found in the myKnight audit.
Capstone Requirements
3 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- REL4910 - Senior Research Seminar (3)
Grand Total Credits: 36