Spring 2023 religious studies classes
Pre-enrollment for Spring 2023 classes begins on November 2 for undergraduate students at Cornell.
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Exploring religious traditions in all of their complexity
Religious Studies Program
We explore religious traditions in all of their complexity through comparative, contextual and thematic studies. Our courses are built on the established scholarly tradition of the study of religion as an academic, as opposed to a confessional, pursuit.
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Religious Studies Major: Benjamin Velani '22
Events
Feb
16
A. D. White House
News
Undergrad summer learning supported by Weiner Family Fellowship
Emma Plowe '23 attended a summer retreat at the Jewel Heart Tibetan Learning Center with support from the Weiner Family Summer Fellowship.
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Desert sounds offer lessons in solitude and community
In a new book, Kim Haines-Eitzen explores the rich range of desert sounds and what they can teach us about place, the past, solitude and community.
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Sustainability and spirituality in the garden
A group of students, including some Nexus Scholars, is learning practical skills related to sustainability and connecting them to community behaviors.
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'Confront the awkward, the grim, the daunting, head on...'
Benjamin Velani is a Religious Studies and Government major.
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First cohort of A&S Nexus Scholars chosen for summer research positions
Fifty undergrads in the College of Arts & Sciences will take part in paid research projects in Ithaca this summer with faculty from throughout the College.
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Fall 2022 Religious Studies Courses of Interest
Pre-enrollment for Fall 2022 begins later this month. See a selection of the courses we are offering!
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More than $12M donated to support students in 24 hours
On Cornell’s eighth Giving Day, held March 16, 15,905 alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends from more than 80 countries made gifts totaling a record-breaking $12,268,629.
Read MoreEngage with the Program
Declare a major in religious studies
Interested in a specific religious tradition? Want to learn more about religious rituals throughout history and in the contemporary world? Consider a minor or a major in religious studies!
Graduate with honors in religious studies
The honors program is open to religious studies majors who have done superior work and who wish to devote a substantial part of their senior year to advanced, specialized, independent research and writing of a thesis.
Take a class
Start with "Religion and Ecological Sustainability" (RELST 2273) or "Sensational Religion" (RELST 2276) or take one of the many other survey courses or seminars we offer.
Apply for a summer Fellowship
Given in honor of Gelek Rimpoche the Weiner Family Summer Fellowship supports funding for summer experiential learning and research for an undergraduate student studying Buddhist practice.
Get program updates
We send regular e-newsletters during the academic school year about program news and events.
Join our email list
Support religious studies at Cornell
Your support enables the program to enhance the experience for undergraduate students. Gifts can help fund lectures and conferences, student research, distinguished speakers, and other program priorities. We will greatly appreciate and immediately put into use any gift, no matter the amount.