The academic study of religion at Colby focuses upon the origins and historical development of several of the world's major religious traditions with the goal of enabling students to understand and appreciate religious diversity in the modern world. Although Religious Studies is a small department at Colby, we are able to include within our curriculum courses that explore Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto and thus represent a considerable exposure to complex and varied religious traditions. Occasionally we are able to expand the scope of our inquiry further.

A study of Judaism and Christianity provides students with a deep knowledge of the development of our own culture and its heritage. Similarly, learning about Asian religions is crucial for understanding the culture of India, China, Japan and other Asian countries, including those located in the area often described as the "Middle East." We also intend to expose students to a variety of methods in Religious Studies. Thus, in our courses, students learn to study religious traditions by scrutinizing their literary traditions, archaeological remains, rituals, texts, and their effects in and upon society. The study of religion teaches people to think clearly, critically, and cross-culturally about ways in which human beings have understood the world and their role in it.

You can learn more about us, our faculty, our students, and our courses by accessing course materials and resources for your exploration of the world's religions. The menu at the left will help you to navigate our site.