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Q. I think I want to major in Philosophy/Religious Studies, what courses should I take?
A. For Philosophy majors, PHI 1102: Critical Thinking or PHI 1105: Contemporary Issues in Ethics are ideal places to start, but other 1000 and most 2000 level courses would be acceptable. Ideally, Religious Studies majors begin with REL 1104: Introduction to Religious Studies, , but it is acceptable to begin with any 1000 or 2000 level course.
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Q. Which courses can I take to help me decide?
A. Same as above
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Q. Which courses can I take in the department if I have chosen another major?
A. All courses in Philosophy and Religious Studies are open to all students, and most courses in the department do not have prerequisites. Any 1000 or 2000 level course would be appropriate as a first course, but when students have a special interest and background in Philosophy or Religious studies, students may also take a 3000 level course as their first course in Philosophy or Religious Studies.
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Q. What kinds of jobs do graduates who majored in Philosophy/Religious Studies have?
A. Philosophy and Religious Studies prepare students for life, and graduates in both majors enter a wide array of fields. By offering a strong grounding in the liberal arts, both majors give students essential skills in reading, critical and creative thinking, and both written and oral communication that serve them well in various endeavors. Our graduates have gone on to careers in law, business, education (elementary, secondary, and higher education), information technology, social work, jobs associated with religious communities, and even the military.
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Q. What are the volunteer or service learning opportunities in this department?
A. Internships are self-designed based upon the interests of the student. For example, students have done internships in bioethics, migrant farm working, social work, and ministry.
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Q. Does this department sponsor any special programs or internships?
A. Students interested in Religious Studies - majors, minors, and other interested students - are currently engaged in ethnographic projects relating to the Muslim and Hindu communities in Carroll County, Maryland. Other projects can be arranged as independent studies in keeping with a student’s personal interests.
Philosophy majors with specific focus on pre-law have served as interns for various local organizations. Other opportunities for academic internships can be arranged.
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Q. Can I major in Philosophy/Religious Studies and still study abroad?
A. Absolutely. Majors in Religious Studies are particularly encouraged to study abroad as a way to expand their knowledge of religions that particularly interest them. For example, one student recently took several courses on Judaism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Majors in Philosophy are also strongly encouraged to study abroad.
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Q. How can I major in Philosophy/Religious Studies and complete a minor in education?
A. Completing a minor in education requires careful planning. Students interested in the education minor should contact the education department as early in their College careers as possible to plan their education minor in conjunction with a major in Philosophy and Religious Studies.
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Q. What are the minor requirements in Philosophy/Religious Studies?
A. The catalog contains a complete list of major and minor requirements.
Minors in Philosophy are required to complete one reasoning course (either PHI 1102 Critical Thinking or PHI 2233 Elementary Logic), one survey course in the history of Philosophy (PHI 1113 or 1114), one ethics course (PHI 1105, 2210, 2211, or 3305), one special topic in the history of philosophy course (2266 or 3366) and two additional courses at the 2000-level or above.
Minors in Religious Studies are required to complete REL 1104: Introduction to Religious Studies, REL 2240: Religion and Critical Thought, and three other courses. These last three may be either courses in Religious Studies or courses in other departments that are recognized as applicable to Religious Studies. (The catalog lists this second group of courses.)
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