REST 1501
Thinking About Religion
Nearly everyone has had some experience with something they would call religion, from at least a passing familiarity through the media to a lifetime of active participation in religious communities. But what do we actually mean when we use the word? What is a religion? What does it mean to call something a religion, or religious? And what does it mean to study religion, given the slipperiness of the concept itself? This course offers an introduction to the academic study of religion through a consideration of these questions: What is religion, and how can we study it? Do we need an answer to the first question to pursue the second? Why, and toward what ends, might we undertake such study? We will also consider what is at stake in our investigation and inquiry into religion-for the inquirers, for the subjects of inquiry, and for society more broadly-and what kind of lens the study of religion offers us on ourselves, our neighbors, and society, in turn. To these ends, we will discuss major theoretical approaches to the study of religion and significant work on religions and religious phenomena, toward a better understanding of what religion might be and how it might be studied today. No prior knowledge or experience of religion, religions, or anything religious is expected or required. This course is required for Religious Studies majors and minors.
Instructors
Dominique Green, Elena Kravchenko, Robert Green, JR, Roshan Abraham
Reviews
Kravchenko starts out slow, but warms up throughout the semester. Very participation heavy, and many opportunities to discuss. Office hours are helpful and she cares about students.
12/18/2025
Very interesting course and many avenues for great discussions
12/17/2025
Not too hard, but easy to lose points fast. Can only miss 7 points total to keep an A. If you want a professor who prays on your downfall, take this class. Never send an email; her response will make you feel terrible about yourself.
12/5/2025
2 or less hrs/week
Greens lectures were definitely engaging, but he was kinda annoying and full of himself. Gives an extra credit. Going to office hours is helpful for papers
1/12/2025
2 or less hrs/week
Easy class, Kravchenko does a good job of explaining the readings in lecture so you don't really need to do them, although they can be interesting. She also gives you the full exam on her study guides. Easy lcd
5/19/2024
I adore Dr. Kravchenko. She's truly one of the most caring professors at WashU, and her class is so interesting. I struggled with a lot of health and personal problems this semester, and she was so understanding and allowed me to complete the work on a timeline that worked for me. Additionally, the course is fascinating and thought provoking,
12/15/2021
Not a hard class but I was very unengaged with the material, classmates, and her. Lacked communication and seemed like she did not want to be there most of the time. Interesting content though.
1/9/2021
One of the best humanities courses I've taken. You're not forced to participate vocally, which is great for people who hate speaking in discussions (like I do). You can get participation credit by just filling out worksheets she gives out. She very clearly outlines what she wants you to know, pretty interesting class too.
2/7/2019
One of my favorite teachers I've ever had! She cares a lot about her students and their understanding. She gives a good amount of reading, but for tests, she gives you everything you need to know and there are no surprises.
11/12/2017
Very interesting lectures and super helpful. Great professor and really understands the material. Keeps everyone engaged and interested
11/11/2015