What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Religion-Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Study religion and classical scholarship in an interdisciplinary manner, learning the theories and methods of both fields in Reed’s religion-ancient Mediterranean major. Work with experts in both departments, engage with primary sources in Greek or Latin, and study abroad to hone your academic skills and deepen your understanding of ancient Mediterranean religions and cultures.
Roadmap to the BA in Religion-Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Reed
Develop familiarity with and understanding of theory and method in the study of religion as well as classical scholarship. Take classes in both departments, and learn from faculty members who provide invaluable mentorship. Gain knowledge and understanding of early Christianity (including Byzantine and medieval Christianity), Judaism in the Hellenistic period or under the Roman Empire, and pagan Greek and Roman religious practice. Culminate your Reed journey with your senior thesis.
Year One
Build a Strong Foundation
Lay the groundwork for your interdisciplinary journey with Humanities 110. In this unique Reed course, study how human cultures have interacted and transformed to create our modern world. Learn to think beyond traditional academic boundaries, and develop critical thinking and writing skills. Begin studying Greek or Latin, and enroll in a religion class, like Christianity: The First Seven Centuries.
Year Two
Shape Your Academic Path
Continue your studies through courses such as Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion, the Topography and Archaeology of the Ancient Roman City, and Introduction to Judaism. Further your language skills in Greek or Latin, and begin to explore study abroad opportunities. Talk to your adviser about the process for petitioning to declare religion-ancient Mediterranean studies as your major by the end of your sophomore year.
Year Three
Gain Research Experience
Dive deeper into your major through advanced classes in both departments, like the Hellenistic World: Egypt, the Middle East, and Central Asia after Alexander the Great; Women in the Ancient World; and Understanding Religion. To hone your research skills and develop diverse research methodologies, take the Junior Seminar in Religion. Demonstrate your interdisciplinary expertise by taking the junior qualifying exam in religion-ancient Mediterranean studies.
With your growing skills, take advantage of summer research and internship opportunities. Reed College offers funding to help pay for travel, housing, and more.
Year Four
Present Your Senior Thesis
In your final year, embark on your senior thesis—a defining element of all Reed academic journeys. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, conduct in-depth research and present your findings on a topic that uniquely represents your passions and growth. Showcase your critical thinking and analytical skills, and prepare for a successful transition into your chosen career path or graduate studies.
Explore religion-ancient Mediterranean studies major learning outcomes
Why Study Religion-Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Reed College?
Collaborate with Expert Faculty
At Reed College, our professors are both leading researchers and dedicated teachers and mentors for undergraduate students. Experience a unique learning environment where faculty teach every class and collaborate with you on independent research projects, deepening your scholarly engagement.
Our religion department faculty equips you with empathetic understanding and knowledge of diverse belief systems, including Christianity, Islam, and Chinese religions.
Meanwhile, faculty in the Greek, Latin, and ancient Mediterranean studies department have expertise in Greek and Latin literature, archaeology, culture, and history.
Expanding the Canon
As a religion-ancient Mediterranean studies major, you will be part of a deeply interdisciplinary academic experience that continues to expand—in subject matter and in the range of approaches students and scholars of all backgrounds bring to their work. Through the religion department you will be introduced to various religions globally, relationally, and in terms of their plurality of lived expressions. Through the Greek, Latin, and ancient Mediterranean studies department, your courses in archaeology and history as well as in literature in translation will represent a range of experiences in the ancient Mediterranean as well as the geographical and cultural scope of this field of study.
