Student Learning Outcomes

RST BA Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Department seeks to achieve the following learning outcomes through its curriculum:

Discipline-Specific Knowledge:

1. In-depth knowledge of one major religious tradition.
2. Knowledge of different methodological approaches to understanding religion.
3. Knowledge of beliefs, practices, and institutions of Western religions.
4. Knowledge of beliefs, practices, and institutions of Asian religions.

Higher-Order Thinking Skills:

1. Critical reading and interpretations of religious texts and representations.
2. Thematic comparison of at least two religious traditions.
3. Critical evaluation of arguments arising from diverse forms of religious expression.

Liberal Arts & Academic Values:

1. Development of an informed concern about contemporary societal issues.
2. Development of an informed appreciation for diverse cultures and religions.

Academic Skills:

1. Development of reading skills.
2. Development of writing skills.
3. Development of skills for disciplined inquiry.

RST MA Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Department seeks to achieve the following learning outcomes through its curriculum:

Discipline-Specific Knowledge:

1. Competent knowledge of classical and contemporary approaches to the study of religion.
2. Competent knowledge of the beliefs, practices and institutions of religion related to the thesis or examination area.

Higher-Order Thinking Skills:

1. Critical reading and interpretations of religious texts and representations.
2. Thematic comparison of at least two religious traditions.
3. Critical evaluation of arguments arising from diverse forms of religious expression.

Liberal Arts & Academic Values:

1. A capacity for autonomous learning.
2. An informed appreciation for diverse cultures and religions.
3. An understanding of the broader social and cultural implications of focused research in religious studies.

Academic Skills:

1. Critical reading skills.
2. Higher order writing skills.
3. Scholarly research skills.