Student Perspectives
What’s best about studying religion at Cornell? Diverse courses. Knowledgeable and passionate professors. Practical application of classroom learning. So say seniors Shawna Anderson and Jenna Meyers.
Anderson’s courses range from Christianity in America and Jesus in the Gospels, to Religions of the World and The Hindu Vision.
“I like the objective, open-minded approach to the various religious traditions studied in these classes,” she says. “Students can really learn the religion for what it is, rather than looking at it through a Christian lens.”
Meyers agrees. She particularly remembers the Japanese tea ceremony that her professor arranged on campus during Psychology, Ritual, and Spirit.
“The engaging opportunities like this one that professors at Cornell provide contribute to making studying religion here so valuable to me,” she says.
Meyers’ other courses include Israel and Torah; Religions of Ancient Mexico; Religion, Spirituality, and Community (linked to sociology); Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft (linked to anthropology); Religions of China and Japan; and Religions of Mongolia.
“The professors have such interesting backgrounds that they bring to the class,” she says. “Because of this, learning is more personalized and intimate. They have incorporated the material into their lives and throughout the course they pass it on to the students in an engaging way. I often get so involved in my religion courses that I start dreaming about the material and when I watch a movie or have a discussion with someone -- I can't help but think of ideas covered in my classes.”
