The program in Religious Studies at UIC is the starting point for the academic study of religion on campus. Housed in the School of Literatures, Cultural Studies and Linguistics, our mission is to educate undergraduates in the nature, history, and function of the many different religions around the globe. We also aim to introduce students to the theological and philosophical bases for religion itself.

We ask questions like:

• What is the nature of god(s)?
• Why do people believe?
• Why are there so many faiths out there?
• How are they different?
• How are they the same?

Our core courses study religion from many different perspectives. They look at religions in their cultural and social contexts while examining the roles they play in shaping human affairs.

Religious Studies faculty come from dozens of departments throughout the university. This gives us a broad approach to the study of religion.

The program offers an undergraduate minor in Religious Studies. Students choosing the minor may, if they wish, develop areas of concentration within the minor. These areas can include:

• Christianity / Catholicism
• Islam
• Judaism
• and more.

Our hope is that students will develop a variety of tools, perspectives, and methods for interpreting and understanding religion in the world. We want to prepare you to live and thrive in an increasingly diverse, multicultural, global community.