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Academic Course Map for Religious Studies (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (RLST) at CU Boulder trains students in the scholarly understanding and interpretation of the complex phenomenon we call religion through careful study of history, texts, rituals, narrative, art and media. The major offers the skills to approach the comparative study of religion with the option of gaining deeper knowledge in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, religions in America, religions in the Mediterranean, religions in Asia and several indigenous traditions. The program also allows students to develop expertise in thematic areas such as religion and the body; ritual studies; religion and the environment; ethics, politics and law; religion, gender, and sexuality; and ancient and medieval religions.
The undergraduate degree in religious studies emphasizes the application of various theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of religion; the understanding of religious practices and traditions with attention to historical context and present-day impact; and the development of media literacy, critical thinking, effective oral and written communication, and research skills in our increasingly globalized and religiously diverse world.
Admission Requirements
Students who begin at a Colorado Community College can transfer directly to CU Boulder to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. Please see the CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences’ Colorado Community College webpage for more information detailed information admissions requirements for students transfering from a Colorado Community College.
Transfer Recommendations
To graduate in a 4-year time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule. Students who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU Boulder staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.
Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for the Religious Studies (RLST) major
This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes. Depending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable.
Community College (first two years)
Fall Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHI 114/1014* | Comparative Religions (GT-AH3) | 3 |
|
ENG 121/1021 |
English Composition I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
|
COM 125/1250 OR |
Interpersonal Communication (GT-SS3) OR |
3 |
|
Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4) |
3 | |
| Transfer Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 1
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHI 115/1015 | World Religions-West (GT-AH3) | 3 |
|
ENG 122/1022 |
English Composition II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
|
MAT 120/1240 |
Math for the Liberal Arts (GT-MA1) or any other GT-MA1 Course |
3 |
|
Guaranteed Transfer History Course (GT-HI1) |
3 | |
| Transfer Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester 2
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
PHI 116/1016 |
World Religions-East (GT-AH3) |
3 |
|
|
Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) | 3 |
|
|
Guaranteed Transfer Natural & Physical Sciences Course (GT-SC1) |
4 |
| Transfer Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 2
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Guaranteed Transfer Natural & Physical Sciences Course (GT-SC1 or GT-SC2) |
3 |
|
2nd Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities Course from a different category than the 1st. |
3 |
|
Guaranteed Transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences Course (GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3) |
3 |
| Guaranteed Transfer Course from any GT-AH or GT-SS categories or from GT-HI1. | 3 |
| Transfer Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Total credits at community college: 60
Completion of these four semesters of coursework fulfills the requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree at your community college and fulfills the General Education requirements at CU Boulder.
CU Boulder (last two years)
Fall Semester 3
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
RLST 1620 |
Religious Dimensions of Human Experience |
3 |
|
|
Lower- or Upper-Division RLST Major Cluster Course** | 3 |
|
|
Upper-Division RLST Major Elective |
3 |
|
Lower- or Upper-Division Elective |
3 | |
| Lower- or Upper-division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 3
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Upper Division RLST Major Elective |
3 |
| Upper Division RLST Major Cluster Course | 3 |
|
Lower- or Upper-Division Elective |
3 |
|
Upper-Division Non-Major Elective |
3 |
| Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Fall Semester 4
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Upper Division RLST Major Elective | 3 |
| Upper Division RLST Major Cluster Course | 3 |
|
Upper Division Elective |
3 |
|
Upper Division Non-Major Elective |
3 |
| Upper Division Non-Major Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Spring Semester 4
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
RLST 4830 |
Senior Majors Seminar |
3 |
|
|
Upper Division RLST Major Elective | 3 |
|
|
Upper-Division Non-Major Elective |
3 |
| Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Upper-Division Non-Major Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 15 |
Total credits at CU Boulder: 60
Completion of all eight semesters of coursework listed above fulfills the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Religious Studies at CU Boulder.
*For community college courses the first course number is before summer 2022 and the second course number is in summer 2022 and after.
**The three RLST cluster courses focus on a single religious tradition (i.e. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, etc…) or a particular theme (i.e. ancient and medieval religions, interreligioius interactions, etc…)