Whitman College

Department Name: 
Religion
Department website: 
http://www.whitman.edu/content/religion
Approximate Enrollment (entire institution): 
1,500
Number of Religion Majors: 
10
Number of Full-Time Departmental Faculty: 
5
Public Institution?: 
Private
Related to a religious denomination or body?: 
No
Which best describes the institution?: 
Grants bachelor degrees only
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?: 
No
Department or institution offers doctoral programs in religious studies or theological studies?: 
No
Description of Undergraduate Major: 

The goal of the study of religion at a secular college is religious literacy. Religious literacy, an important dimension of cultural literacy, entails both a cognitive component (knowledge of religions and of the religious dimension of culture) and proficiencies (the acquiring of skills relevant to the analysis of religion). Courses in religion have the objective of conveying knowledge in four areas (Asian Religions, Modern Western Religious Thought, Near Eastern Religions, and Religion in America), and of developing skills of analysis, interpretation, and communication.