MajorReligion/Ancient Mediterranean Studies

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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.

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.

Reed student Emma McNeel holds up an art project, a folding book with images and text. She is smiling at the camera.

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.

Learn about GLAM major Emma McNeel ’21

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