Table of Contents - Hartwick College

Religious Studies
The world’s great religions are centered around the quest to find meaning
and purpose in human life and existence. Religious beliefs and practices
in various ways address not only what it means to be human, but also
concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong. These beliefs and
practices, in turn, help to shape the character of individual societies and
cultures. Therefore, knowledge of religion and its various manifestations
is indispensable to a study of the diverse social and cultural phenomena
we encounter in the world around us.
Hartwick’s curriculum covers three general areas. One focuses on the
Judeo-Christian tradition. Various courses in biblical studies take a
historical approach examining the books in terms of the historical and
cultural contexts in which they were written. Other courses in this area
focus on the religious history of Europe and America, providing students
with an understanding of the impact that the Judeo-Christian tradition
has had upon the Western cultural heritage.
The second area covers the religious traditions of the Asian world,
particularly Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. There are also opportunities
for studying other isolated non-Western religions (Sikhism,
Zoroastrianism, Taoism, Shinto, Jainism). The primary aim is to provide
students with fundamental conceptual frameworks for understanding the
major non-Western cultures of the world in which these various religious
traditions have been influential.
The third area deals with contemporary religious expression in the West
and includes courses on contemporary theological thought, religion and
ethics and various problem areas (such as “church and state”).
Special study opportunities available through the department include offcampus
programs in India and in the Middle East, usually offered in
January Terms in alternate years. Furthermore, because Oneonta is
uniquely situated within a few hours drive of various important Buddhist,
Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu monasteries and centers, efforts are
made to incorporate field trip experiences into regular course offerings.
Each student who wishes to major in religious studies must develop a
program of study in the discipline in consultation with a faculty advisor.
As part of the major program, each student must do a senior thesis which
involves a term of directed individual study. (This directed study must be
arranged before the term in which it will be conducted.) Majors also are
encouraged to complement their study with courses in a variety of other
disciplines which will enable them to understand more fully the
Interconnections among religion, history, literature, the social sciences,
art, and the sciences.
Many students majoring in other departments choose to continue their
interest in religion and religious phenomena by minoring in religious
studies. Departmental minors are encouraged to take courses in each of
the three core areas of the religious studies curriculum.
220