Since the decision in School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Shempp, 374, U.S. 203 (1963) by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing the study of religion as part of a secular program of education, the study of religion has become a well-established field of inquiry within the humanities and social sciences. The study of religion is highly interdisciplinary and for this reason we have organized our program to take advantage of the variety of courses and professors with expertise in the study of religion at UCA.
The program makes available to students an opportunity to study religion from the perspectives of several different disciplines. This program requires certain basic core courses of all students, yet leaves room for particular interests. In consultation with the director of the program and specific professors, students fashion a sequence of study tailored to their special interests.
The program emphasizes the public, non-sectarian, non-confessional examination of the role of religion in human life and history; it is not a program that focuses on any particular religious tradition or denomination. The study of religion serves a basic social need for liberally educated citizens, and serves the specific needs of students interested in more advanced study in seminary and work in religious institutions; other students might focus on a humanistic or social scientific study of religion in preparation for more advanced graduate work, or for careers in other professions, such as law, journalism, social work or counseling.