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Religious Studies

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Religion is a complex network of ideas and actions (ethical and ritual) that express a group’s sense of the ultimate meaning of life. The academic study of religion examines how the beliefs and values of contemporary and historical cultures shape and are shaped by societal factors, long-standing traditions, and distinctive forms of literary and artistic expression. Religion scholars ask not whether certain beliefs are true but what they mean to those who hold them to be true, how they came to have a particular form and content, and what impact they have on their intellectual and social environments. Skill in close reading of texts and critical ana1ysis of concepts and historical relationships are among the benefits of such study, which has been found helpful by many preparing for careers in theology, education, law, medicine, journalism, international business, government, and social work.

Iowa Central’s Religious Studies curriculum helps to develop communication and critical thinking skills, and a basic understanding of religious institutions, ethics, and human values. Students planning to pursue a major in Religious Studies can complete their first two years of coursework at Iowa Central before transferring to a public or private college for the remaining two years.

Religious Studies Careers

• Counseling
• Education
• Ethics
• Gerontology
• Government
• Human Services
• International Business
• Journalism
• Law
• Medicine
• Ministry
• Social Work
• Theology
• Youth Work

Mentoring Opportunities

Iowa Central’s Religious Studies program includes a mentoring component coordinated by the Webster County Volunteer Center in Fort Dodge.  Students enrolling in Social Problems and Psychology of Human Relations are required to serve as mentors in the area.  Mentors are expected to act as good role models and participate in occasional activities such as going to the cinema, playing games, attending sporting events, helping with homework, etc.  Experience in mentoring is essential for all students planning to someday work in the Religious Studies field.  For these and other reasons, Social Problems and Psychology of Human Relations are two of our most interesting and rewarding courses in the Religious Studies program.

Course Schedule

Iowa Central’s Religious Studies curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong background in comparative religion, ethics, and related social sciences and humanities. Students interested in majoring in Religious Studies can complete their first two years of coursework at Iowa Central and then transfer to a public or private college for the remaining two years. The following is a suggested plan of study for students majoring in Religious Studies:

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