BA in Religious Studies (Honors) in Providence United States | Brown University

The field of Religious Studies examines belief systems and practices across different historical, political, cultural, and social settings to better comprehend global societies and civilizations. It cultivates academic abilities including detailed analysis (of texts, visuals, objects, and other societal evidence), strong written and oral communication, historical and modern interpretation using diverse sources, and evaluation of current social matters. Through investigating both collective and personal themes emphasized by religious inquiry—such as community building, human nature, pain and mortality, and concepts of morality—students gain fresh perspectives for navigating our intricate world. As learners explore religious expressions across the Americas, South and East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, they not only study how beliefs, customs, values, ceremonies, and identities develop and spread, but also grasp how various populations have manifested spiritual worldviews through political systems, organizations, disputes, and seemingly non-religious domains.
The thesis option allows students to pursue in-depth independent research with faculty supervision. For those pursuing honors, alongside the standard seven concentration courses (plus RELS 1000), they'll register for RELS 1995 in their senior Fall and RELS 1999 in Spring. Regardless of honors attainment, RELS 1995 fulfills the capstone requirement.