Undergraduates

Our undergraduate degree programme looks at both mainstream religious traditions and more recent religious movements, and examines the interplay between these and modern secular culture.

The degree allows you to explore the religious aspects of cinema and literature, and the significance of the body, sex and gender in religious cultures. It also introduces you to some of the major theories, themes and approaches in the study of religion in Africa.

Such study provides not only valuable insights into the world in which we live, but also the skills of critical analysis, conceptual thought and imaginative empathy that will allow you to pursue a rewarding career after university. Undergraduate courses and timetable.

Requirements for a major in Religious Studies

Recommended introductory course:
REL1012F/S - Thinking in the Social Sciences

Second year:

ONE of the following:

• REL2040F - Religion and Society
• REL2048S - Psychology of Religion
  (for students also majoring in Psychology or with permission of the Head of Department)

Plus ONE of the following:

• REL2044F - African Traditional Religion
• REL2045S - Religion in Africa
• REL2047F - Religion, Sexuality and Gender (was REL237F)
• REL2048S - Psychology of Religion (was REL241S)
• REL2049S - Religion, Spirituality and Ecology

Third year:

REL3034F Religion and Modernity

Plus ONE of the following:

• REL3035S - Religion, Ethics and Human Rights
• REL3037F - Religion, Conflict and Violence

Prerequisites:

1. For REL2040F: completion of REL1002F, REL1004S or REL1006S; or completion of any cognate first-year course in the Humanities Faculty; or permission of Head of Department.
2. For REL3034F: completion of REL2040F or REL2048S and any other REL 2000-level course; or completion of two cognate second-year courses in the Humanities Faculty; or permission of Head of Department

Entry requirements for Honours in Religious Studies

BA or BSocSc degrees or their equivalent. Normally, students shall have completed the courses indicated for one of the majors in Religious Studies. Students with an initial degree in another discipline may be required to complete certain courses to achieve equivalence with the requirements for a major in Religious Studies. The degree may be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). For further information, refer to the entry for Religious Studies in the Faculty of Humanities Graduate School Handbook or email Birgit Taylor.

Home | About | Institutes | Staff | Undergraduates | Postgraduates | Alumni | Contact Us
Department of Religious Studies, University of Cape Town