Le Moyne College

At Le Moyne College, we believe that exploring life's religious dimensions yields valuable insights into individuals as well as entire cultures.   Beyond its often-profound personal impact, religion plays a central role in shaping societies, prompting political action, and influencing the course of history.  Examining the nature and function of religion is therefore an essential part of a liberal arts education, helping students develop a richer understanding of men, women, and the world in which they live and work.

To achieve this goal and to relate religious values and commitment to contemporary culture, each Le Moyne College students is required to take two (2) courses in religious studies as part of the core education requirements of the College. In addition, students have the option to select either a philosophy or religious studies seminar during their senior year. The first of these courses introduces students to the basic concepts and methods necessary for the study of religion and to basic modes of religious experience and expressed manifested in Judaism and Christianity. Students may choose the second course from any of the five areas included in the program of Religious Studies:  (1) Religion and Culture; (2) Interpretation of Religious Texts; (3) Religious Ethics; (4) The History of Religions; (5) Religious Thought/Philosophy.
 
Students are also encouraged to elect additional courses in religious studies beyond those taken to fulfill the core requirement. The department offers major and minor programs of study in the field of Religious Studies.