Why Study Religion?
International and Interdisciplinary Scholarship
Religion shapes, and is shaped by, every other dimension of human society. It is impossible to fully understand politics, law, history, or science without understanding religion. We invite you to learn more about the most interdisciplinary field in the university: Religious Studies.
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Our Curriculum
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Graduate Program
Featured Story
Religious Studies Major Stella Zhu's Study Abroad in Vienna!
We're excited to share the reflections and photos from Religious Studies Major Stella's Zhu Fall quarter abroad in Vienna, Austria!
"I studied abroad in Vienna in Fall 2025 and took five courses. Two courses that stood out most to me were “Jewish Life in Vienna: Past and Present” and “Religion and Multiculturalism.” Both were far more transformative and immersive than I initially expected.
I visited synagogues in Hungary and Slovenia, as well as Jewish museums, concentration camps, and former ghettos across Germany, Austria, Poland, and beyond."
Click the link below to read more of her story!
Find Your Direction
Alumna Adina Goldman had a path that led her from pre-med to English literature and biological anthropology and then to religious studies and music.
News and Events
Faculty in the News
Professor Kevin Buckelew's new book Discerning Buddhas was recently published! Congratulations!
Click below to read more about Professor Buckelew's book Discerning Buddhas, which explores themes of authority, agency and masculinity in Chan Buddhism.
Upcoming Events
Sep
17
2026
Weinberg College Academic Directions Fair - Religious Studies
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Evanston
Welcome Class of 2030! Come, Explore the More! Join us at the Weinberg CollegeAcademic Dirrection Fair, meet with religious studies fa...
Sep
24
2026
Fall 2026 Religious Studies Department Welcome Gathering
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, No Location
Join us as we celebrate the start of the academic year and meet our new faculty and students! More details to follow.
Oct
20
2026
"Inventories of Ruin: The Demise of the Mexican Jesuits, in Three...
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM, No Location
Faculty Book Panel for Professor Michele Molina's's new book, "Inventories of Ruin: The Demise of the Mexican Jesuits, in Three Acts". ...