Bachelors of Religious Studies

Program Overview

The Religious Studies major at Franklin College empowers students to explore the vast landscape of religious diversity, prompting reflection on personal meaning and guiding them toward purposeful careers. The curriculum skillfully blends foundational concepts of faith and religion with contemporary issues and popular culture, with recent course offerings including thought-provoking subjects like "Religion and the Environment" and "Star Wars and Religion." Beyond the core curriculum, students have opportunities to pursue individualized independent studies on niche topics such as fundraising for non-profit organizations, Japanese mythology, or the role of female leaders in early Christian church history. This flexibility allows for a highly personalized and engaging educational journey.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Religious Studies is comprehensive and thoughtfully structured to progress from foundational concepts to more specialized and interdisciplinary topics. Core requirements include "Introduction to Religion," "Historical Faith and Modern Culture," "Philosophy of Religion," and a "Senior Competency Practicum." Students also engage with seminal texts and traditions through courses like "Old Testament Life and Literature," "New Testament Life and Literature," "Living Religions East," and "Living Religions West," providing a robust understanding of major religious traditions. The program encourages critical analysis of religious expressions in both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, students complete professional development requirements, including "Preparing for Your Internship" and a "Portfolio Development Practicum," culminating in a "Senior Year Experience/Project."

Research Focus: Franklin College's Religious Studies program fosters a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in deep inquiry and critical analysis. Students participate in a "senior research seminar," where they explore topics of personal interest, often bridging traditional religious studies with modern issues. Past research projects have delved into diverse areas such as "religious freedom and Supreme Court cases," the "religious rhetoric used in presidential State of the Union addresses," and the "intersection of role-playing games and religion." The department also encourages students to leverage the college's Center for Technology and Innovation's digital fluency initiative, producing research that incorporates innovative formats like 3D printing, digital storytelling, and student-centered podcasts, thereby developing advanced research and presentation skills.

Industry Engagement: Franklin College places a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry engagement for its Religious Studies majors. Every Religious Studies major is required to complete at least one internship. The department actively maintains connections with local and national for-profit and non-profit organizations, offering a "menu of potential internship opportunities." Students receive personalized, one-on-one assistance to secure internship placements that align with their interests, ensuring valuable "real-world experience" before graduation. Recent internship sites have included organizations like the Peace Learning Center, Interfaith Youth Core, Exodus Refugee Immigration, the Red Cross of Central Indiana, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, demonstrating the diverse range of professional settings accessible to graduates.

Global Perspective: The Religious Studies program at Franklin College inherently cultivates a strong global perspective through its comparative study of diverse religious traditions and cultures worldwide. The curriculum ensures students become "familiar with the religious perceptions and practices in Western and Eastern cultures" and develop the ability to "analyze religious expressions in this culture and in the global community." Faculty members regularly incorporate their international experiences into classroom discussions, enriching the learning environment. Furthermore, students have opportunities for "immersive travel abroad to explore religion in the Middle East or Asia." The college also facilitates unique cultural exchanges, such as regular dinners with visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks, providing direct inter-religious dialogue and fostering a deeper appreciation for global religious diversity and its impact.