Cornerstone Program Learning Outcomes: Religious Studies Learning Outcomes

Key Outcomes:

• Existential and moral questions. Grasp how religious traditions address key existential and moral questions. This outcome can be achieved by focusing on one religious tradition, several traditions, or a theme across several traditions.

• Main constructs.  Grasp the meaning and role of such key components of religious traditions as myth, symbol, and ritual; understand the types of texts operating in religious traditions; and appreciate how these components operate in other arenas, including politics, ethnic identity, and foreign policy.

• Interdisciplinary connections. Grasp how a critical understanding of religious traditions in concrete historical, social, and cultural contexts draws upon a number of other disciplines, including philosophy, history, archaeology, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and art history.

• Critical reading and analysis. Develop the ability to contextualize and critically analyze primary religious texts and secondary sources, and the ability to use electronic resources critically.

•  Argument and Expression.  Develop the ability to set forth clear, well-supported, and persuasive arguments, orally and in writing.  Develop the ability to write essays that reflect knowledge of essential facts and a command of analytical and writing skills.