Academic Program

This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.

Faculty
Professors Cushing, Frank, Martin, Sindima, Vecsey
Associate Professors Abbas (Chair), Reinbold, Sullivan
Assistant Professor Davenport
Senior Lecturer Stahlberg

The Department of Religion at Colgate challenges students to explore the role of religion across cultures and historical periods and to think critically about the nature and expression of religiousness. Religion courses offer training in a unique combination of skills, including close textual analysis, direct observation, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding.

Any 100- or 200-level course can serve as an appropriate starting point for studying religion at Colgate. In addition to the introductory 100-level courses, the department offers a variety of courses regarding diverse African, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Native American traditions. These "tradition" courses (RELG 201 to RELG 219) provide students with a strong foundation in the study of a particular living and complex religion. The department also offers courses (RELG 220 to RELG 269) on religion's many dimensions and intersections with existential questions, ancient and contemporary cultures, race and identity, the environment, violence and reconciliation, health and medicine, gender and sexuality, ethics, science, technology, and the law. Faculty also teach courses on seminal religious texts (RELG 270 to RELG 279), that focus on close-reading and methods of interpretation. The department's more advanced 300- and 400-level courses emphasize theoretical approaches to the study of religion. Faculty also offer opportunities (RELG 291, 391, 491, and 490) for students to pursue academic topics of their own choosing, under professorial guidance

The study of religion is necessarily interdisciplinary, making reflective use of the full variety of liberal arts methods. It engages related issues in philosophy, ethics, society, spirituality, science, gender, sexuality, arts, and politics. Thus, a major or minor in religion may serve as a natural complement to other majors for example:

Students in the arts and humanities, for instance, will find that the study of religious texts and worlds affords them greater insight into literature and visual art.

Students in political science, history, environmental studies, and other social science fields will find that our courses enable them to explore significant religious approaches to law and politics and to think deeply about the role of ethics and morality in public life.

Students interested in careers in medicine and the health sciences will find that courses in religion equip them to cultivate greater cross-cultural sensitivity and to evaluate the moral complexity of current scientific advances.

The success of our graduates indicates that a major in religion provides excellent preparation for a number of careers, including education, government, journalism, medicine, finance, law, social work, and professional service in non-profit organizations and religious institutions.

Awards

The M. Holmes Hartshorne Memorial Awards for Excellence — established as an award for students who, in the judgment of the department, have done exceptional work in philosophy and/or religion.

The M. Holmes Hartshorne Memorial Award for Postgraduate Study in Philosophy and/or Religion — established as an award for a graduating senior, for achievement in the study of philosophy and/or religion and, depending on financial need, to assist the recipient with postgraduate study in philosophy, religion, or philosophy and religion at a recognized graduate or divinity school.

The Robinson Essay Prize — established in honor of Joseph Robinson and awarded on the basis of an essay written for a 200- or 300-level course in the department during the previous spring or fall semesters.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement cannot be presumed since examinations in this area are not given

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit for graduation requirements may be awarded by the registrar. Transfer of credit toward major or minor requirements requires prior written permission from both the registrar and the department. Normally no more than two transfer credits may count toward major or minor requirements. Seminar credit is not transferable.

Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors in a major can find the additional requirements on the relevant major page. Use the links below in the Majors and Minor section to navigate.

Study Groups

During the spring semester the Department of Religion, in conjunction with the Department of Philosophy, offers a study group at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland's first university, founded in 1413. Other than the director's course, which is taught by a Colgate faculty member, students take courses of their choice from among those offered by the University of St. Andrews, at which they are enrolled for the semester. For more information see  and .

 

Majors and Minors

Major

Minor

Courses