The Department of Religious Studies examines religious beliefs, institutions and practices using approaches from the humanities, arts, social sciences and sciences. The academic study of religion, combined with appropriate courses in other fields, provides an excellent background for any professional career—including law, engineering, medicine and health care professions, journalism, social work and others—and for graduate studies in a number of fields.
A major in religious studies provides a well-rounded liberal arts education or can be combined conveniently with a second major. Minors or sequences in religious studies complement and broaden any field chosen as a major.
Dr. Jonathan Tan offers insight on the appointment of Pope Leo XIV
As the papal conclave concludes with the election of Pope Leo XIV, Professor Jonathan Tan has continued to be a leading voice in media coverage of this historic transition. The Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan Professor of Catholic Studies, Dr. Tan has provided expert analysis across major outlets, offering valuable context on the implications of Pope Leo’s election following the passing of Pope Francis.
Having spent the last few weeks extensively covering Pope Francis’s passing, Dr. Tan prepares for a second marathon of interviews:
- Thursday, May 8th, 12:11pm: live commentary on WOIO Cleveland 19 with Dan DeRoos as the new pope was announced and presented to the world.
- Thursday, May 8th, 8:10pm (Friday, May 9th 8:10am Singapore time): “CNA938 Rewind – What to know about the new Pope Leo XIV” Singapore CNA 938 Morning Report with Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng
- Thursday, May 8th, 11pm: WEWS ABC News 5 with Clay LePard
- TBA: WJW Fox 8 Cleveland with Shelly Steinmetz
- TBA: USA Today with Marc Ramirez
Dr. Tan additionally published an op-ed for UCA news titled, “Pope Leo XIV and the Church’s coming of age in the Global South,”(May 13, 2025) in which he discusses the new pope’s decision to identify with Peru and what his dual citizenship could mean for the Catholic Church.
This page will be continually updated, stay tuned!
Dr. Brian Clites quoted in HuffPost article, “Pam Bondi Unleashes On Alleged ‘Anti-Christian Bias’ — And A Christian Leader Has Thoughts”
Dr. Brian Clites, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan Professor in Catholic Studies II, was quoted extensively in the article, Pam Bondi Unleashes On Alleged ‘Anti-Christian Bias’ — And A Christian Leader Has Thoughts (HuffPost, April 24, 2025), discussing the Trump administration’s latest task force. Dr. Clites states that Trump’s executive order “cites the First Amendment protection of religious liberty as its guiding principle, but in fact the order itself is a remarkable incursion against the separation of church and state.” He further observes, “By calling out the protection of women’s rights as ‘anti-Christian,’ the administration is uplifting the views of some Christians over and against the views of other Christians,” emphasizing that “American Christians hold diverse views about reproductive justice and Transgender rights”
Pope Francis’s Passing – Dr. Jonathan Tan discusses the legacy he left behind
The world mourns following the Monday morning news on April 21st, of the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. Jonathan Tan, the Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan Professor of Catholic Studies, has been busy reflecting on the legacy of the inspirational late Pope and discussing what comes next. As one can imagine of such a groundbreaking individual, there is much to discuss. He was interviewed live by Singapore’s Channel News Asia (CNA), Ideastream’s Sound of Ideas (April 22, 2025), and BBC Newsday (April 24, 2025). He was quoted by USA Today and Time, and has written three op-ed’s for UCA News, “Conclave will reflect Church’s new-found global orientation: Pope Francis sowed the seeds for the internationalization of the papal office itself” (April 24, 2025), “The future of Vatican-China relations beyond Pope Francis” (April 28, 2025), and “Choosing the next pope after Francis.” (May 6, 2025). Dr. Tan additionally wrote a column for the People’s Reporter, “Remembering Pope Francis: A Pope for the World and Asia” (May 10 – 24, 2025)
Amid the anticipation, on the evening of Tuesday, May 6th (Wednesday, May 7th Singapore time), his expertise is again called upon in two Singapore morning news segments, BBC Newsday with Steven Lai and Singapore’s Channel News Asia CNA 938 radio news morning report, “CNA938 Rewind – Holy smoke: Who will be the next pope?” with Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng, both of which focus on the papal conclave, issues, and frontrunners.
To learn more about his extensive work, this page will be updated as more events and information become available, so stay tuned!
Talk and Film Screenings by the esteemed filmmaker, screenwriter, and director, Pawo Choyning Dorji
Pawo Choyning Dorji, will be visiting CWRU from Wednesday, April 23rd through Friday, April 25th, to screen his films and deliver a talk titled, “Untying Knots of Light and Sculpting Time: Storytelling in Bhutan”. This talk will focus on the themes of interdependence, impermanence, and the motivation behind storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences, along with spiritual and cultural insights, filmmaker, screenwriter, and director Dorji explores how Bhutanese stories are deeply interwoven with Buddhist principles, reflecting Bhutan’s unique perspective on creativity, existence, and happiness.
This event is presented in partnership with the Departments of Religious Studies and English and the Asian Studies Program.
Pawo Choyning Dorji is a 2025 Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Scholar in the Humanities.
First two events are free and open to the public
Registration for each is requested.
Film Screening and Discussion: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
Wednesday, April 23rd; 7pm
Strosacker Auditorium
Untying Knots of Light and Sculpting Time: Storytelling in Bhutan
Thursday, April 24th; 4pm
Eldred Hall Room 203
For “The Monk and the Gun,” get your ticket here
Film Screening and Discussion: The Monk and the Gun
Friday, April 25th; 7pm
Cinematheque at the Cleveland Institute of Art
Highlights
Reisacher Summer Fellowship
Up to $3,000 in Summer Funding for Students in Religious Studies
Applications for the annual Reisacher Summer Fellowship are due Tuesday, April 1st 2025. To apply, complete the application cover sheet and additional requirements, then send to jesse.friedman@case.edu
Winners will be announced Thursday, May 1st 2025. Good Luck!
CAS Summer Spotlight – Jue Liang
Religious Studies newest faculty member, Dr. Jue Liang, was featured in the College of Arts and Sciences summer spotlight, focusing on her recent world travels. Click here to read more and get a taste of her journey.
Alumni Spotlight – Liz Hanna
Introducing the Religious Studies Alumni Spotlight, where we celebrate the diverse successes and outstanding talent that define our alumni community.
This edition focuses on Liz Hanna, a 2020 CWRU alumna and Religious Studies minor, who has navigated her post-graduate journey with exceptional accomplishments.