Religion is a powerful and creative expression of the human spirit. It has been and remains among the most potent forces shaping human history. The Department of Religious Studies highlights the role religion plays in everything from local, regional and global conflicts, to domestic elections, political activism and social justice issues, to medical treatments, sexuality, gender and attitudes towards death and dying, to the formulation of state policies and laws, to philosophical and ethical debates. At the same time, the role of religion is an important component of individual self-identity, central to the evolution of social and cultural identity, and a motivating factor in all forms of the arts and creative expression. With an emphasis on thematic clusters, we encourage interdisciplinary research, experiential learning, the development of oral and written analytical skills, and respect for diverse points of view.