Degree Map: Religious Studies Concentration for Liberal Arts AA

Religious Studies Concentration Description

Religion is one of the primary social activities of humankind. Its study involves a comparative understanding of the various ways different peoples, across time and space, have developed their religious ideas, values, systems, beliefs, rituals, and traditions in response to fundamental questions of human existence. Religious Studies offers a rigorous, systematic, and objective intellectual inquiry into various aspects of religions, their adherents and world views, their goals and expressions. It employs a wide variety of approaches and methods in order to understand the role of religion in human experience and thought. Courses in Religious Studies are for majors and for those meeting Humanities credit requirements. They are designed to be non-technical and to appeal to a broad range of interests.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this concentration you will be able to:

• Analyze various religious positions without reference to personal value judgements.
• Examine the common social functions of religion. 
• Evaluate issues in religious studies from the perspectives of major religious traditions. 
• Distinguish between analytical and devotional approaches to the study of religion. 
• Compare religious phenomena across cultures.

Degree Map

The degree map below is an example of how a full-time student can complete this degree in two years.  You should see an academic advisor for a customized degree map that works for you.  To be recommended for an Associate in Arts degree, you must achieve a grade point average of 2.0 as a minimum on all coursework attempted (minimum of 60 hours).

Note the Milestones below each semester.  Milestones are reminders of actions you should take during that semester to help keep you on track for degree completion.

First Semester

Milestones

• Check the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.70 during the first 30 credit hours attempted and complete 67% of the courses attempted.  Review your Financial Aid Dashboard or visit the Financial Aid Office to determine your financial aid status.
• Download MS Office from MyTCC.
• Form a study group, join a student organization, or volunteer at a community service site.
• Visit the writing, math and science, or technology learning centers for free individual tutoring support services.
• Meet with an academic advisor before enrolling for the next semester.

Second Semester

Milestones

• Check the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.70 during the first 30 credit hours attempted and complete 67% of the courses attempted.  Review your Financial Aid Dashboard or visit the Financial Aid Office to determine your financial aid status.
• Meet with an academic advisor before enrolling for the next semester.
• Schedule a campus visit with your transfer institution’s student recruitment office.
• Visit Career Services by your 20th credit hour to explore career opportunities associated with this degree.

Third Semester

Milestones

• Check the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if 31 or more hours have been attempted and complete 67% of the courses attempted.  Review your Financial Aid Dashboard or visit the Financial Aid Office to determine your financial aid status.
• Meet with an academic advisor for a graduation check and to complete a Petition for Computer Proficiency if needed.
• Complete applications for admission and financial aid for the four-year institution to which you plan to transfer.
• Visit Career Services to build your resume.

Fourth Semester

Milestones

• Check the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines impacting classes and financial aid.
• To maintain financial aid eligibility, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 if 31 or more hours have been attempted and complete 67% of the courses attempted.  Review your Financial Aid Dashboard or visit the Financial Aid Office to determine your financial aid status.
• Meet with an academic advisor to file for graduation.

Transfer Information

This degree is intended for transfer to a four-year university for completion of a baccalaureate degree.  You should work closely with an academic advisor each semester to make certain you are enrolled in the correct courses for a seamless transfer process and you are encouraged to begin a dialogue with your intended transfer school as early as possible. Early coordination between TCC academic advisors and advisors from selected four-year institutions can streamline the transfer process. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he/she understands the program/admission/transfer requirements for the transfer school.