College of the Pacific
Welcome to the Department of Religious & Classical Studies
In the Department of Religious & Classical Studies, we challenge students to study the practices, beliefs, texts and languages of ancient and modern societies.
Through these studies, students learn about the phenomena that have shaped Western culture and Eastern foundations. In addition to deep knowledge of the religious and cultural activity that has molded human civilization, our students acquire intellectual skills that serve them throughout their educational endeavors and beyond.
Some of our courses focus on the role of religion in human history, experience, thought and action, while others focus on the ancient Near Eastern / Greco-Roman cultures and their lasting effects on the modern world.
Religion has historically shaped and continues to influence cultures and institutions worldwide. It is useful to explore spiritual traditions in order to examine ultimate religious and ethical questions. Our coursework provides perspectives that prepare citizen-leaders to engage these matters in a thoughtful, humane, historically broad and intellectually rigorous manner.
- We offer a major in Religious Studies and minors in Religious Studies and Classical Studies. Additionally, the Department administers a Liberal Studies Major.
- Our courses typically include students from various backgrounds and academic disciplines, thereby affording significant opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion.
