Religion and the Arts Undergraduate Certificate

This certificate is jointly offered by the Department of Languages, Cultures and Religions and the Department of Art and Design and provides an interdisciplinary study of the interrelationships between religion(s) and the arts broadly understood – visual arts, architecture, music, literature, theatre, and dance. The certificate will assist students in recognizing and understanding the religious allusions, themes, symbols, and characters they will inevitably encounter in various and diverse works of art. It will also facilitate greater awareness and appreciation of the aesthetic aspects of religion and spirituality.

In many of the world’s religions, religious experiences and beliefs have found expression in artistic works, for example, in Sufi dancing, Christian morality and passion plays, Buddhist mandalas, Hindu statues of gods and goddesses, and the architecture of Jewish synagogues.

This certificate is designed to expose students to the history, holy texts, teachings, and rituals of major world religions and to sensitize them to the religious themes and allusions in the art of these traditions.  Gaining a basic understanding of religious traditions will enhance the cultural competence of students in enabling them to appreciate religious persons and communities, both past and present, and how their beliefs have shaped and continue to shape their art.

This certificate is administered by the Department of Languages, Cultures and Religions.