Religious Studies (Religion, Politics, and Global Affairs)

About this opportunity

The BA program in religious studies with a concentration in religion, politics and global affairs considers how the study of religion expands the understanding of political culture, communal formation, governance, nationalism, statehood and citizenship in both domestic and global contexts.

Students explore the role religion has in shaping political values, social movements, civic organizations and communal norms, with particular attention to how religion impacts issues of health, the environment, migration, peace, conflict, violence and various issues of social justice. Special consideration is given to the religious intersections of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender and other vital facets of human community and identity.

Thesis

The honors thesis is the culmination of an honors student's undergraduate education. Completing the thesis successfully and on-time is a tremendously rewarding experience, but also requires careful planning, preparation, and time management. Don't wait until your senior year to begin thinking about the thesis!

Barrett Honors College requires all students to complete a thesis-preparation workshop. Barrett provides more information on the thesis requirement, procedures, and deadlines.

Religious Studies majors who write their thesis with SHPRS faculty ordinarily sign up for 3 credits of REL 492 (Honors Directed Study) as a first-semester senior, and 3 credits of REL 493 (Honors Thesis) as a second semester senior. Although Barrett allows students to undertake their thesis in departments and programs that are not their "home" major, students who desire REL credit for the thesis will a thesis director who is a SHRPS faculty member. The second reader of the thesis may be another SHRPS faculty member, but might also be an individual from another ASU department or School who has expertise in the subject matter of the thesis – or potentially an expert from outside the university. If your thesis director is from another School or department, you will need to sign up for the 492/493 courses in that department.

Academic Preparation

Some students want to write about a personal interest of theirs. Although we encourage you to pursue a topic you are passionate about, we suggest avoiding topics about which you have had no relevant coursework or training, or topics where our faculty lacks expertise. The thesis is probably not the right occasion to explore a wholly unfamiliar topic just because it is suddenly in the news or sounds like it might be interesting.

Recommended Timeline

Students should be prepared to develop their topic and committee by Spring of their Junior Year and to work on the thesis in the Summer, Fall, and Spring of their Senior year. 

Other Honors Opportunities

Students are encouraged to get involved in undergraduate research opportunities in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. The ASU Center for Religion and Conflict is an excellent place for Barrett student research. The Center advances multidisciplinary research and education on the religious dynamics of conflict and peace.

By fostering exchange and collaboration, the center creates networks—local, national, and global—that expand knowledge, deepen understanding, and promote wiser, more effective responses to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Students can apply as research fellows and this work can often lead to an honors thesis project.