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"The phenomenon of religion is a universal dimension of human life and culture."
Religious Studies
How has religion shaped human history and culture? The religious studies curriculum challenges you to inquire and understand through an exploration of the world's many religious traditions, past and present.
A powerful force: From ancient history to today's headlines, religion has operated as a powerful force in human society. Courses within the religious studies curriculum examine the world's major religious traditions while also exploring special topics such as women and religion, religions and the natural environment, and literature and religion. Internships and independent study options are available within the program, and all religious studies majors complete a capstone project.
Liberal arts perspective: A religious studies major or religious studies minor complements many other areas of study, broadening perspectives on everything from literature to science to art history to contemporary politics. Bailey Scholar and religious studies major Joe Varner '11 chose to pursue minors in music and ethics, intrigued by the opportunity to explore and understand the place of religion and faith in human culture. "That's the beauty," he says, "of a liberal arts education."
The A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry: The Bailey Scholars program provides support—through financial assistance, mentoring and internships—for students interested in pursuing a calling to ordained ministry.
Beyond R-MC: R-MC has a long tradition of graduates entering ordained ministry, and you will find among alumni a number of former students following a calling to ministry. Recent graduates of R-MC's religious studies program also are pursuing graduate studies at schools including Duke, Princeton, Emory and American University, as well as careers in fields such as business, higher education, music and finance.
| "Coming to Randolph-Macon was the best decision that I have ever made."
History and religious studies double major. Dean's List student. Award winner. Madeleine Forrest '09 was all this—and much more. Forrest took advantage of all that R-MC had to offer during her four years on campus. The list of organizations that Forrest was a member of is impressive: the Campus Activities Board, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Delta Zeta (for which she served as past president) were all graced with her enthusiastic presence. In addition, Forrest served as an orientation leader and a tour guide, and she participated in the Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF). In addition, Forrest traveled during every J-term in her college career. She journeyed to Paris, Brazil, England, Wales and Guatemala, and she spent the fall semester of her junior year studying in Perugia, Italy. Forrest received quite a number of accolades during her career at R-MC. She was the recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Greek New Member award, the 2007 Greek Emerging Leader award, the 2007 Second Year Emerging Leader award and the 2009 Woman of Excellence award. She was also a Randolph-Macon Presidential Merit Scholarship recipient and a member of the Honors Program, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa, Theta Alpha Kappa (religious studies), Phi Alpha Theta (history), Order of Omega, Rho Lambda and Gamma Sigma Alpha.
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