Mills is home to a rich and diverse community of scholars who address the phenomenon of religion from a broad range of methodological and theoretical perspectives including anthropology, archaeology, art history, comparative literature and literary theory, history, philosophy, cultural studies, gender and sexuality studies. In keeping with the Mills tradition, a number of Religious Studies course offerings also provide an emphasis on the experience of women and girls in religious systems, the role of religions in the cultural construction of gender and sexuality, and feminist critical perspectives in the academic study of religion. Students will investigate the ways in which religious identities intersect with race, class, gender, and ethnicity among other categories of affiliation and identification. 

In addition, students may choose, in consultation with their advisor, a select number of courses through cross-registration with the following institutions:

UC Berkeley
Graduate Theological Union, comprising

Center for Islamic Studies
Center for Jewish Studies (GTU/UCB)
Women’s Studies in Religion
Center for Arts, Religion, and Education
Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
Center for the Study of Religion and Culture (GTU/UCB)
Institute of Buddhist Studies
Orthodox Institute (PAOI)

The religious studies minor complements a wide range of majors; in addition, the multidisciplinary nature of the minor affords students intellectual training for graduate work in a number of different disciplines.  Understanding the ways in which belief systems and cultures interact supports students in preparing for careers in psychology, education, international relations, international business, journalism, government, medical and health services, social services, and law.

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