Western Michigan University

Department Name: 
Comparative Religion
Department website: 
http://www.wmich.edu/religion/
Approximate Enrollment (entire institution): 
23,000
Number of Religion Majors: 
25
Number of Full-Time Departmental Faculty: 
7
Public Institution?: 
Public
Related to a religious denomination or body?: 
No
Which best describes the institution?: 
Grants bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees
Department offers undergraduate coursework in ministerial preparation (either a track, a minor, or a major)?: 
No
Department or institution offers masters programs in religious studies or theological studies?: 
Yes
Department or institution offers doctoral programs in religious studies or theological studies?: 
No
Description of Undergraduate Major: 

The major and minor programs in Comparative Religion are designed for those who, whether they are religious or not, want to know more about religion, the role and significance of religion in societies today and in the past, and the ways in which academics think about and analyze religion and related concepts. In courses offered by the Department of Comparative Religion, students and instructors examine the concept of religion as well as specific religions from around the world and throughout history; analyze religion as a part of culture and in relation to other parts of culture; study components of religions like myths, rituals, doctrines, and institutions; and compare, evaluate, and employ academic definitions and theories of religion.