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University Catalog

HUMANITIES AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Polyhymnia, Muse of Religious Hymns

College of Arts and Letters

Humanities and Religious Studies offers an integrated approach to the study of world cultures. In courses on Western European, Asian, and American cultures, students explore ideas, ideals, and values as they are expressed in art, music, drama, history, literature, philosophy, and religion.

The Humanities concentration provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation while also allowing students the opportunity to focus their studies. For example, students can concentrate on a specific era, such as the Ancient World, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, or the Modern World. Students may also concentrate on a single cultural field such as American Studies or Asian Cultures.

The Religious Studies concentration is an in-depth comprehensive study of religious belief and practice on a global scale that surveys diverse interpretations of religious experience within and across cultural boundaries and examines religious institutions and sacred texts within a historical framework.

Students majoring in Humanities and Religious Studies may prepare for careers in teaching from the elementary level (as part of a Liberal Studies major program) through the secondary level (as part of a single subject credential program in English/Humanities). A major in Humanities and Religious Studies is also suitable preparation for postgraduate study in several advanced degree programs, including the Master of Arts program in History/Humanities and the Liberal Arts Master's Program. Providing a solid grounding in the liberal arts, the major helps graduates qualify for continued professional preparation for careers in teaching at the community college or university level, as well as library, museum, or curatorial work. Humanities and Religious Studies majors are also well-prepared for careers in government and fields such as the law and counseling, which require interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Special Features

  • Faculty advisors are available to help majors and minors design individual patterns of study that reflect students' particular interests and prepare them for work in their chosen fields.
  • The Studia Humanitas Club organizes visits to art galleries, museums, and musical and theatrical events, and provides opportunities for students and faculty with similar interests to meet and exchange ideas.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree

Humanities Concentration (39 units)

Units required for Major: 39
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Lower Division Courses (12 units)

(3)

HRS 10

Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 11

Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern

(3)

HRS 70

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 71

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern

II. Required Upper Division Courses (9 units)

(3)

HRS 105

Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11, or instructor permission)

(3)

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of lower division core courses and eligibility for WI courses)

(3)

One course in the HRS 195 Seminar in Humanities series (completion of 12 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 105, senior status; or instructor permission)

III. Required Areas of Study (9-18 units)

Select at least one from each of the categories A, B, and C

A. Ancient - Renaissance

(3)

HRS 113

The Culture of Classical Greece

(3)

HRS 114

The Culture of Classical Rome

(3)

HRS 131

Medieval Culture

(3)

HRS 132

Renaissance (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

B. Enlightenment - Postmodern

(3)

HRS 134

Baroque and the Enlightenment

(3)

HRS 135

Romanticism and Revolution

(3)

HRS 136

Birth of the Modern

(3)

HRS 137

Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present

(3)

HRS/HIST 168

Images of America (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

C. Global/Non - Western

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 171

Introduction to the East Asian World

(3)

HRS 172

The Classical Culture of China

(3)

HRS 174

Modern Japanese Literature and Culture

IV. Supporting Courses: (0-9 units)

With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to three of the following:

(3)

HRS 108

Approaches to Religious Studies

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 161

Multicultural America

(3)

HRS 162

American Space and Identity

(3)

HRS/HIST 169

Hollywood and America

(3)

HRS 180

The Film

(3)

HRS 181

Contemporary Issues in Film

(3)

HRS 185

Women in Film and American Culture

(3)

HRS 188

Fantasy and Romance

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems(instructor and department chair permission)

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to two courses from the following departments: Art, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy. Theatre and Dance.

Religious Studies Concentration (39 units)

Units required for Major: 39
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Lower Division Courses (9 units)

Select three of the following

(3)

HRS 10

Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 11

Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern

(3)

HRS 70

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval

(3)

HRS 71

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern

II. Required Upper Division Courses (12 units)

(3)

HRS 108

Approaches to Religious Studies

(3)

HRS 140

Exploring World Religions (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

(3)

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of lower division core courses and eligibility for WI courses)

(3)

One course in the HRS 198 Seminar in Humanities series (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 108, HRS 140 senior status; or instructor permission)

III. Required Areas of Study (9-18 units)

Select at least three of the following, at least one from each of the categories A and B:

A. Religions with South and East Asian Origins

(3)

HRS 147

History of Buddhism

(3)

HRS 173

Chinese Philosophy and Religion

(3)

HRS 175

Zen Buddhism and Daoism

(3)

HRS 176

The Confucian Tradition

(3)

HRS 178A

Religions of India I: The Formative Period

(3)

HRS 178B

Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern

(3)

HRS 179A

The Hindu Year: Fall

(3)

HRS 179B

The Hindu Year: Spring

B. Religions with West Asian Origins

(3)

HRS 117

Paganism in the Roman World

(3)

HRS 121

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

(3)

HRS 122

Introduction to the New Testament

(3)

HRS/HIST 126

History of Christianity to the Reformation

(3)

HRS/HIST 127

History of Christianity Since the Reformation

(3)

HRS 141

Introduction to Judaism

(3)

HRS 142

Introduction to Christianity

(3)

HRS 144

Introduction to Islam

IV. Supporting Courses: (0-9 units)

Select up to three of the following:

(3)

HRS 105

Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11 or instructor permission)

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 152

Great Mystics of the World

(3)

HRS 154

Food, Farming, and the Sacred

(3)

HRS 155

Spirit and Nature

(3)

HRS 183

World Religions and Cultures in Cinema

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems (instructor and department chair permission)

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, advisor approval, a student may select up to two of the following:

(3)

ANTH 13

Magic, Witchcraft and Religion

(3)

ANTH 166

Rise of Religious Cults

(3)

COMS 165

Communication and Religion

(3)

ETHN 50

Native American Religion and Philosophy

(3)

ETHN 171

African Religions and Philosophies

(3)

HIST 170

History of Religion in the United States

(3)

PHIL 131

Philosophy of Religion

(3)

SOC 171

Sociology of Religion

(3)

WOMS 145

Feminism and the Spirit

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, foreign language study may be applied as elective units. The advisor and student together will determine if the language is appropriate to the student's area of interest in Religious Studies. Students should consult with an advisor before choosing any electives.

Humanities Minor (21 units)

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Lower Division Courses (6 units)

(3)

HRS 10

Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval OR

 

HRS 11

Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern

(3)

HRS 70

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval OR

  HRS 71

Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern

II. Required Upper Division Course (3 units)

(3)

HRS 105

Approaches to the Humanities (HRS 10 and HRS 11, or instructor permission)

III. Required Areas of Study (9-12 units)

Select at least one from each of the categories A, B, and C:

A. Ancient - Renaissance

(3)

HRS 113

The Culture of Classical Greece

(3)

HRS 114

The Culture of Classical Rome

(3)

HRS 131

Medieval Culture

(3)

HRS 132

Renaissance (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

B. Enlightenment - Postmodern

(3)

HRS 134

Baroque and the Enlightenment

(3)

HRS 135

Romanticism and Revolution

(3)

HRS 136

Birth of the Modern

(3)

HRS 137

Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present

(3)

HRS/HIST 168

Images of America (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

C. Global/Non - Western

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 171

Introduction to the East Asian World

(3)

HRS 172

The Classical Culture of China

(3)

HRS 174

Modern Japanese Literature and Culture

IV. Supporting Courses (0-3 units)
With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select one from the following:

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 161

Multicultural America

(3)

HRS 162

American Space and Identity

(3)

HRS/HIST 169

Hollywood and America

(3)

HRS 180

The Film

(3)

HRS 181

Contemporary Issues in Film

(3)

HRS 185

Women in Film and American Culture

(3)

HRS 188

Fantasy and Romance

(3)

 

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses; eligibility for WI courses.

(3)

 

One course in the HRS 195 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 12 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 105, senior status; or instructor permission.

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems (instructor and department chair permission)

Note: With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may choose one course from the following departments: Art, English, Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy, Theatre and Dance.

Religious Studies Minor (21 units)

Units required for Minor: 21

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

I. Required Upper Division Courses (6 units)

(3)

HRS 108

Approaches to Religious Studies

(3)

HRS 140

Exploring World Religions (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)

II. Required Areas of Study (6-15 units)

Students must choose at least one course each from categories A and B.

A. Religions with South and East Asian Origins

(3)

HRS/HIST 147

History of Buddhism

(3)

HRS 173

Chinese Philosophy and Religion

(3)

HRS 175

Zen Buddhism and Daoism

(3)

HRS 176

The Confucian Tradition

(3)

HRS 178A

Religions of India I: The Formative Period

(3)

HRS 178B

Religions of India II: Medieval and Modern

(3)

HRS 179A

The Hindu Year: Fall

(3)

HRS 179B

The Hindu Year: Spring

B. Religions with West Asian Origins

(3)

HRS 117

Paganism in the Roman World

(3)

HRS 121

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

(3)

HRS 122

Introduction to the New Testament

(3)

HRS/HIST 126

History of Christianity to the Reformation

(3)

HRS/HIST 127

History of Christianity Since the Reformation

(3)

HRS 141

Introduction to Judaism

(3)

HRS 142

Introduction to Christianity

(3)

HRS 144

Introduction to Islam

III. Supporting Courses (0-9 units)

Select up to three of the following:

(3)

HRS 119

Classical Mythology

(3)

HRS 145

Introduction to Islamic Cultures

(3)

HRS 151

World Mythology

(3)

HRS 152

Great Mystics of the World

(3)

HRS 154

Food, Farming, and the Sacred

(3)

HRS 155

Spirit and Nature

(3)

HRS 183

World Religions and Cultures in Cinema

(3)

 

One course in the HRS 190 Seminar in Humanities and Religious Studies series (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses; completion of the WI.

(3)

HRS 196

Experimental Offerings in Humanities and Religious Studies (approval of HRS faculty advisor)

(3)

HRS 198

Seminar in Religious Studies (completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 108, senior status; or instructor permission)

(1-3)

HRS 199

Special Problems (instructor and department chair permission)

With approval of HRS faculty advisor, a student may select up to, two units of the following:

(3)

ANTH 13

Magic, Witchcraft and Religion

(3)

ANTH 166

Rise of Religious Cults

(3)

COMS 165

Communication and Religion

(3)

ETHN 50

Native American Religion and Philosophy

(3)

ETHN 171

African Religions and Philosophies

(3)

HIST 170

History of Religion in the United States

(3)

PHIL 131

Philosophy of Religion

(3)

SOC 171

Sociology of Religion

(3)

WOMS 145

Feminism and the Spirit

Career Possibilities

Teaching · Academic Research · Publishing · Journalism · Government · Public Relations · Law · Library Science · Creative Writing · Literary Research · Theology · Ministry · Counseling

Faculty

Jeffrey Brodd, Alyson Buckman, Jackie R. Donath, Joël Dubois, Maria Jaoudi, Bradley Nystrom, Richard Shek, Victoria Shinbrot

Contact Information

Jeffrey Brodd, Department Chair
Carol Downey, Administrative Support Coordinator
Mendocino Hall 2011
(916) 278-6444
www.csus.edu/hum



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