Religious Studies

Religion has long played a crucial role in human history, shaping culture, politics, and social life. Studying religion not only provides a deeper understanding of human beliefs and values but also fosters cross-cultural connections and mutual understanding. The Religious Studies major is an ideal choice for those who seek to explore worldviews and the role of religion in modern society.

Introduction to the Religious Studies Major

Religious Studies is a discipline that examines religious phenomena, covering aspects such as the history, beliefs, institutions, and practices of religions. The Religious Studies program will guide students in exploring the origins, development, doctrines, rituals, and cultural significance of different religions, helping them understand the role and influence of religion in human society.

Educational Objectives

This program aims to cultivate well-rounded professionals who adhere to Marxist theory, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and uphold the socialist system. Graduates will possess both specialized knowledge and an understanding of theoretical policies, be familiar with the religious landscape of China and the world, and contribute to social harmony through research and applied interdisciplinary expertise.

The specific objectives are:

1. To systematically master the fundamental theories of religious studies in a broad sense.

2. To develop expertise in their chosen research direction.

3. To be capable of reading classical and foreign-language materials related to the discipline.

4. To gain an in-depth understanding of religious studies and religious policies in China.

5. To acquire strong communication and writing skills.

6. To achieve overall mental and physical well-being with good moral character.

Graduates will be qualified for careers in religious research and teaching, religious administration, journalism and publishing, foreign affairs, and other related fields.

Graduation Requirements

Graduates should acquire the following knowledge and skills:

1. Mastery of the basic principles of Marxism and the fundamental theories of religious studies, as well as basic knowledge of the world's major religions.

2. Proficiency in the primary research methods of modern religious studies.

3. Awareness of global religious developments and current frontiers in religious research.

4. Understanding of China’s religious laws and policies.

5. The ability to think independently and analyze complex issues.

6. Proficiency in literature research, social investigation techniques, and basic teaching, research, and practical work skills.

Core Courses

1. Theory and Practice of Scientific Socialism

2. Selected Readings of Marxist Classics

3. Foreign Language

4. Philosophy Trends and Reviews

5. Special Topics in Religious Studies (Core)

6. Introduction to Religious Studies

7. Confucianism, Daoism, and the Study of Heaven and Humanity

8. History and Discussions on the Relationship between Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism

9. Special Topics in Modern and Contemporary Chinese Philosophy

10. Introduction to Daoism

11. Introduction to Buddhism

12. Religious Art

13. Special Topics in Modern Neo-Confucianism

14. Religion and Culture

15. Buddhist Theology

16. Studies on Faith and Culture

17. Chinese Folk Religion and Belief Systems

18. Judaism and World Civilization

19. Studies on Christianity

20. Basic Hebrew Language

21. Selected Readings in Jewish Literature

22. Historical Sources and Research Methods in Buddhist Studies

23. Selected Readings of Daoist and Daojia Classics

24. Studies on Buddhist Scriptures

25. Religion and Modern Society

26. History of Christianity

27. Modern Western Religious Philosophy

28. Hebrew Language (Part I)

29. Hebrew Language (Part II)

30. Biblical Hermeneutics

31. Cross-Disciplinary Elective Courses

32. Doctoral Academic English Communication

33. Second Foreign Language

34. Marxism and Contemporary Social Thought

35. Chinese Buddhist Studies

36. Studies on Pre-Qin Philosophers

37. Studies on the Relationship between Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism

38. Close Readings of Buddhist Texts

39. Daoist Classics Research

40. Yogācāra (Consciousness-Only) School Studies

41. Special Topics in Confucian Studies

42. Special Topics in Jewish Studies

43. Special Topics in Daoist Studies

44. Professional Foreign Language

Research Directions in Religious Studies

The primary research directions in Religious Studies include:

• Chinese Religions: Investigates the origins, development, doctrines, institutions, and practices of traditional Chinese religions, including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and folk beliefs.

• World Religions: Explores the origins, development, doctrines, institutions, and practices of major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism.

• Philosophy of Religion: Examines philosophical questions regarding the nature, origins, functions, and values of religion.

• Religious Ethics: Studies the theoretical and practical issues of religious morality.

• Religious Rituals and Art: Analyzes the forms, functions, and significance of religious rituals and art.

• Religion and Society: Investigates the relationship between religion and society, including the influence of religion on society and vice versa.

• Religion and Culture: Explores the interaction between religion and culture, including how religion influences culture and how culture shapes religion.

• Religion and Modernity: Examines the role and status of religion in modern society.

Students may choose their research direction based on personal interests. Those interested in traditional Chinese religions can specialize in Chinese Religions. Students fascinated by major world religions can pursue World Religions. If they are drawn to philosophical questions about religion’s essence and purpose, Philosophy of Religion is a suitable choice.

For those intrigued by the ethical aspects of religion, Religious Ethics is a fitting specialization. Students interested in the symbolic and performative aspects of religious expression may choose Religious Rituals and Art. 

Those who want to study religion’s role in social dynamics can focus on Religion and Society, while those examining the mutual influence of religion and culture may opt for Religion and Culture. Finally, students keen on studying how religion functions in contemporary times can specialize in Religion and Modernity.

Degree

Graduates of the Religious Studies major are awarded a Bachelor of Philosophy degree.

Career Development

The demand for religious studies graduates is relatively low, and direct employment opportunities in the field can be limited. Graduates are encouraged to pursue further studies, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, for academic or research careers.

Graduates can work in universities, research institutions, or government departments, engaging in teaching, research, religious affairs administration, theoretical analysis, and policy research. Some may enter governmental religious affairs offices, pursue academic careers in higher education and research, or work in journalism, publishing, and cultural exchange. Beijing offers the best employment prospects in this field.

Potential Careers for Religious Studies Graduates

• Civil Servant

• Public Institution Staff

• Advertising Copywriter

• Journalist/Editor

• Graduate Studies

• Human Resources Specialist/Assistant

Related Majors

• Philosophy

• Anthropology

• History

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Literature

Top Universities for Religious Studies

• Peking University

• Renmin University of China

• Fudan University

• Wuhan University