The only option for Binghamton University students interested in religious studies was previously a major in Judaic studies, but this semester, the school is now offering a minor in general religious studies.
Judaic studies professor Randy L. Friedman, director of the new religious studies minor, said the course is set up so that students in any field can study religion.
According to Friedman, the newly-developed religious studies minor is the logical continuation of the curriculum offered in the field at BU. Not having such a minor was a ‘glaring absence,’ he said.
‘I’ve been pushing for this minor for years,’ said Jonathan Karp, an associate Judaic studies and history professor. ‘That’s because I teach Jewish history, and we get a lot of students interested in religion ‘ not just Judaism, but comparative religion and religion in general.’
Karp is currently on leave from BU to serve as the director of the American Jewish Historical Society based out of the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan. He asserts that religion remains a powerful force in modern society.
‘The fact that BU, a major teaching institute, didn’t have a religious studies program struck me as a problem,’ Karp said. ‘Creating the minor was a way to start to address that deficiency.’
The requirements for a religious studies minor are similar to those required for a degree in any sort of religious or philosophic study at BU. At least six classes (24 credit hours) based on the study are required. The minor requires two foundational courses (100-200 level), two intermediate (300 level) and two advanced (400 and above) in the subject area. Students can also use two classes from their major requirements to fulfill the minor requirements.
‘Any liberal arts education which provides you with critical reading, writing [and] interpretation skills will help in any career you pursue,’ Friedman said. ‘The study of religion, since it teaches you about different approaches and practices, might just serve you well in any line of work.’
Because the religious studies minor is so new, few students have chosen to take it. According to Friedman, just three students currently have religious studies listed as their minor.
Francis D’Erasmo, a junior majoring in linguistics, is not taking on the minor, but he said he may have some interest in the field.
‘[It] might be pretty cool to take,’ D’Erasmo said. ‘I think it would be an interesting minor.’
Though D’Erasmo’s major is not related to religion, he said he believes that having a minor related to this field of study is convenient for those who are interested in pursuing religious studies.
Those who wish to take on religious studies as their minor, or who simply want more information on the minor and its requirements, can visit the Binghamton religious studies homepage at www2.binghamton.edu/religious-studies/.