Religious and Ethical Studies - Meredith College

Religious and Ethical Studies from Meredith College is a Campus Bachelor Ethics degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. The department's purpose is to encourage students to explore and to understand religious and ethical perspectives on human life. The study of religion and ethics in the liberal arts curriculum prepares students to live in our ever-expanding world where multiple religious and ethical perspectives inform the different ways in which people inhabit, experience and ultimately shape the world we all share. Living in a global context requires sensitive understanding and critical evaluation of religious identities: their texts and symbols, their histories and world-views, their social institutions and material practices. It also requires specific skills and methods to analyze the complex ways in which our culture and our various religious and ethical frameworks inform each other, as well as to negotiate interactions between different and often conflicting religious perspectives and values. Student Learning Outcomes of the Religious and Ethical Studies Department The department offers general education courses with the goal of developing students' basic religious and ethical literacy. The introductory courses (RES 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105) meet this goal, through enabling students to: understand the differences between practitioner perspectives and academic perspectives; utilize the common terminology and methodologies applicable to the study of religion and ethical theory; demonstrate critical, analytical and comparative thinking skills about the various dimensions of religion and ethical frameworks; and develop understanding and appreciation of one's own and others' religious beliefs and ethical perspectives. The major in religious and ethical studies build on this foundation in religious and ethical literacy through educating students in the various dimensions of scholarship in the field of religious studies and exploring the diversity of ethical values in various aspects of today's society, for example, in medicine and medical research, economics and the environment. Religious and ethical studies courses enable students to: demonstrate an ability to apply various methods and approaches to the academic study of religion; interpret texts recognizing the relevance of language, history, culture, and symbolism and ethical applications; analyze the complex ways religion, culture and history interconnect; demonstrate the ability to apply ethical concepts to disciplinary, professional and public issues or policy; and develop the ability to conduct and present research using appropriate academic criteria and approaches in the disciplines of religious and ethical studies. The major in religious and ethical studies provides a versatile preparation for graduate study and/or a career in a wide variety of fields. The knowledge and critical thinking skills that students acquire prepares them for assuming leadership roles in careers in law, ministry, business, public policy, psychology, human services, writing, medical research, environmental studies, social work and others. The major is also an ideal second major, enhancing any other major at Meredith with the ability to deepen and expand their understanding of the religious and ethical issues in their area of study. View more details on Meredith College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Ethics courses.