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.
Ratner Family Lecture 2026
The Department of Religious Studies welcomes guest lecturer Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre to deliver the Bi-Annual Ratner Family Lecture, “Toward a Liberative AI Ethics.”
Co-sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies and The Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities
Thursday, September 24th
4:30 pm – 6 pm
Thwing Excelsior Ballroom (229)
Counts toward Explore Credit – Register Today!
AI is radically changing how most of us go about our daily lives, bringing – in some cases – radical changes. Unfortunately, we are rushing forward simply because we can, paying little attention to the ethical implications of these changes. Focusing on the impact of AI, this lecture will begin by exploring their theological implications and its impact on the individual, the nation, and the world. Special attention will be given to those who were already marginalized before the normalization of AI.
Rev. Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre is Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He is an international scholar, documentarian, novelist, academic author, and scholar activist. The focus of Dr. De La Torre’s academic pursuit is social ethics within contemporary U.S. thought, specifically how religion affects race, class, and gender oppression.
Recent Graduate, Patricia Carrig, published in the UCLA Journal of Religion
Patricia Carrig, a 2025 graduate of CWRU, has been published in the UCLA Journal of Religion’s seventh volume for her Capstone project, “The Final Girl? Or The Primal Androgyne? An Exploration of the Connections Between a Slasher Film Trope and Genesis I & II.” Since graduating with majors in Environmental Geology and Environmental Studies and a minor in Religious Studies, Patricia has joined the Colman Lab in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences as a research assistant, where she investigates sources of air pollution in Cleveland and their effects on urban health.
Patricia’s interest in the intersection of film and religion grew during her undergraduate years, when she became deeply involved in student filmmaking and explored courses in film studies alongside her religious studies coursework. Her paper examines the connections between Carol J. Clover’s influential “Final Girl” trope in slasher films and concepts of the primal androgyne and spiritual androgyny found in early Christian thought, as discussed by scholar Daniel Boyarin in his analysis of the writings of Philo of Alexandria. Reflecting on the project, Patricia noted her long-standing fascination with the shared focus on myth and ritual found in both film studies and religious studies. Her research demonstrates how interdisciplinary perspectives can reveal unexpected connections between popular culture and religious traditions.
Congratulations to Patricia on this outstanding achievement and publication!
Add ‘Introduction to Africana Religions: The Black Church’ to your Fall 2026 Schedule!
This Fall 2026, RLGN/AFST 151: Introduction to Africana Religions will focus on the topic: The Black Church. Add this course to your Fall 2026 schedule to explore the history, traditions, theology, and cultural impact of the Black Church in America. In this course you will:
- Understand the central role of the Black Church in spiritual life and community.
- Examine historical roots, key figures, movements, and global influence.
- Connect faith, culture, justice, and identity in Africana diasporic religious traditions.
RLGN/AFST 151 for Fall 2026
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:45pm – 4pm
Instructor: Dr. Heather E. Burton
Register Today!
Dr. Timothy Beal to deliver 2026 Baccalaureate Address
Dr. Timothy Beal, Distinguished University Professor, Florence Harkness Professor of Religion, and Director of h.lab, will deliver Lehigh University’s 2026 Baccalaureate Address on Saturday, May 16th, 2026. Dr. Beal will discuss AI, ethics, and the role of higher education in shaping a just and sustainable future.
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 Wednesday, April 1st 2026. To apply, complete the application cover sheet and additional requirements, then send to jesse.friedman@case.edu
Winners will be announced Friday, May 1st 2026. Good Luck!