Religious Studies Proficiency Certificate
Program Overview
The Religious Studies Proficiency Certificate program provides supplementary training for professionals in social work, education, and healthcare, as well as those in faith-based organizations. It offers a comprehensive understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions, preparing graduates for careers in diverse fields where religious literacy is essential. The program's interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, empathy, and respect for different belief systems.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Religious Studies Proficiency Certificate program is designed to provide supplementary training for individuals pursuing careers in social work, education, and healthcare. It also serves as a credential for those working in faith-based organizations or pursuing lay and assistant clerical leadership positions within religious organizations. Additionally, the program offers a pathway to an academic degree in Liberal Arts or related fields at the College or a transfer institution.
Objectives:
The program's objectives include providing students with a comprehensive understanding of religious and spiritual beliefs, practices, and institutions from around the world and the United States. Students gain insights into specialized issues such as death and dying and the role of spirituality in human services.
Program Description:
The Religious Studies Proficiency Certificate program involves coursework that covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Introduction to Religion
- World Religions
- Death and Dying
- Philosophy of Religion
- Religion in American History
- Religions of the Middle East
- Religions of Asia
- Faith and Spirituality in Human Services
- Public Speaking
- Interpersonal Communication
- Intercultural Communication
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The program consists of the following courses:
- ENGL 101 - English Composition (3 credits)
- RS 101 - Introduction to Religion (3 credits)
- PHIL 151/RS 151 - World Religions (3 credits)
- RS 160 - Death and Dying (3 credits)
- PHIL 152/RS 152 - Philosophy of Religion OR HIST 170/RS 170 - Religion in American History OR RS 175 - Religions of the Middle East OR RS 180 - Religions of Asia OR BHHS 131 - Faith and Spirituality in Human Services (3 credits)
- ENGL 115 - Public Speaking OR ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication OR ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Quizzes
- Exams
- Papers
- Projects
- Presentations
Assessment Criteria:
Student performance is assessed based on their ability to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of religious and spiritual beliefs, practices, and institutions.
- Analyze and interpret religious texts and scriptures.
- Engage in critical thinking and discussion about religious issues.
- Apply their understanding of religion to real-world contexts.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a range of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Group projects
- Case studies
- Simulations
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced faculty who are experts in their respective fields of study. Faculty members hold advanced degrees in Religious Studies, Philosophy, History, and related disciplines.
Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates a unique interdisciplinary approach that draws on insights from various perspectives, including:
- Religion
- Philosophy
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
Careers:
Career Paths:
The Religious Studies Proficiency Certificate prepares graduates for a wide spectrum of careers in fields such as:
- Economics
- Healthcare
- Social Work
- Education
- Law
- Faith-based organizations
Opportunities:
Graduates of the program may pursue opportunities as:
- Religious and spiritual leaders
- Social workers
- Educators
- Counselors
- Health care professionals
- Lawyers
- Researchers
- Policy analysts
Outcomes:
The program's outcomes include:
- Enhancing understanding of religious and spiritual diversity.
- Developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Fostering empathy and respect for different belief systems.
- Preparing students for careers in various professions.
- Providing a foundation for further education in Religious Studies or related fields.
