WestConn Offers Minor In Religion

DANBURY — What is the meaning of life? What happens when we die? Where does religion figure into the picture?

Students who want to ponder those weighty questions and learn more about the role of religion in society will be able to pursue a minor in religion studies at Western Connecticut State University.

Dr Abubaker Saad, chairman of WestConn’s history and non-Western cultures department, and professor Jerry Bannister, chairman of the social science department, announced that WestConn’s administration has approved the minor, which will be an interdisciplinary offering housed in the history and non-Western cultures department.

John Leopold, a history professor at WestConn, said this course of study is an intellectual examination of religion that has practical applications as we live and work in a diverse, multi-cultural society.

“Our goal is not to convert, de-covert, or cross-convert anyone,” Dr Leopold said. “Our objective is to help people understand how the basic beliefs of people are similar and different, how men and women search for meaning in their lives, and how the core of their being is affected by their religious and/or philosophic ideals. This is particularly important when it comes to issues of understanding and tolerance.”

WestConn’s history and non-western cultures, philosophy, and humanistic studies, English and social science departments have been offering courses that explore religion for more than 25 years. In order to pursue the minor, students must earn 18 credits from an approved list of courses, which include examinations of sacred texts, philosophy, and religion, and specific religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism.

For more information, call the history and non-Western cultures department at 837-8484.