Students and scholars of History, Philosophy, and Religious studies are not satisfied with easy answers, or easy questions for that matter.
Our program
In the Department of History, Philosophy and Religious Studies, we read and confront challenging texts, from Socrates to Kant, Augustine to the Bhagavad-Gita. With historical research and narrative interpretation, strengthening writing and analytical skills, and learning to discuss and debate theories and opinions from various perspectives, students are able to explore different parts of the world and eras in more depth while investigating themes that remain relevant today, such as religion, race, gender, consumerism, and civil rights.
We look for the common concerns at the heart of the human experience and discuss how great thinkers and movements throughout world history have addressed them.
We learn to resist reductive thinking and engage in respectful debate, to write critical analyses and ask questions of our own.
All program majors complete a set of core requirements and concentrate in either Philosophy or Religious Studies. We also offer minors in both, as well as in History.
Putting ideas to practice
Every year, the department hosts an Undergraduate Conference that highlights student work and sponsors an annual essay contest. And you can join the Philosophy Forum or Philosophy Club to continue the conversation beyond the classroom.
History, Philosophy and Religious Studies will teach you to think more deeply, speak more clearly, and always strive for broader perspective and greater understanding. And there’s no limit to where you can go with a skillset like that.