Religion and Journalism Minor
Religion is an important cultural force that has become increasingly relevant to national and international politics. The Religion and Journalism minor allows students to explore the diverse religions of the world and the role of media in society, studying key religious and ethical debates and analyzing how religion is discussed in current affairs. Students will learn about how religion is impacting the important ethical, social and political debates of our age and, in so doing, will be well positioned to write about these issues in the media.
Why do it?
Through the Religion and Journalism minor, students will develop the skills needed to thoughtfully and effectively write about contemporary issues related to religion. As the first degree in the country that focuses on religion and journalism, this minor will set students apart after graduation as they apply for jobs or graduate school.
Who is it for?
The Religion and Journalism minor is open to all undergraduate students and may especially be of interest to students majoring in Religion and Culture, Humanities for Public Service, Communication, English, Philosophy, Political Science, and History.
Requirements
The 18-hour minor in Religion and Journalism includes 9 hours of introductory courses, 6 hours of electives, and a 3-hour capstone course.
RLCL 1014: World Religions
COMM 2084: Media and Society
Plus one of the following:
- RLCL 1044: Religious Ethics
- RLCL/AFST/WGS 2204: Race and Gender in Religion and Culture
- RLCL/IS/PSCI 2484: Religion and Politics
- RLCL/STS 2464: Religion and Science
- PHIL 2304: Global Ethics
- COMM 2094: Communication and Issues of Diversity
- HIST/SOC/STS 2604: Introduction to Data in Social Context
RLCL 4014: Religion and the Public Sphere
Students select 6 credits hours of elective courses. For a complete list of elective courses, consult the checksheet (follow this link, click on ‘checksheets,’ scroll down to Minors, and find the Religion and Journalism checksheet).
This minor is hosted by the Department of Religion and Culture in collaboration with numerous departments across Virginia Tech.
Pathways Concepts
Core Concepts*
1a - Advanced/Applied Discourse
2 - Critical Thinking in the Humanities
3 - Reasoning in the Social Sciences
5f - Foundational Quantitative and Computational Thinking
7 - Critical Analysis of Identity and Equity in the United States
*Students are guaranteed to meet at least three of the core concepts listed
Integrative Concepts
10 - Ethical Reasoning
11 - Intercultural and Global Awareness