← Religious Studies (RELIGST)

Easiest courses in Religious Studies

Looking for a gentler semester? Start with courses where students have earned higher grades.

Highest historical GPA first. At least 100 letter grades over the five years through the selected term. Grades reflect past outcomes, not workload or a guaranteed result.

Find your fit

9 courses

Historical grades cover up to five years through the selected term. Only courses with at least 100 letter grades are ranked.

A survey of Tibetan Buddhism examining theory, practice, meditation, and identity.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Reviewers describe the workload as minimal, noting few assignments and open-book online exams. One student reported that readings were unnecessary because the instructor repeated topics during lectures.

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2022–Fall 2025

INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM covers the basic thought, practices and history of Buddhism.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2023–Fall 2025

Explores happiness and well-being through the lens of consumption, money, and the experience economy.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Historical reviews of Christine Whelan, Dayana Kupisk: The workload involves extensive assigned readings and weekly quizzes, though exams are reported as relatively easy if students attend lectures and study.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2024

ASIA ENCHANTED: GHOSTS, GODS, AND MONSTERS explores Asian conceptions of the monstrous, ghostly, and divine through religious studies, literature, anthropology, and history.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Students must complete substantial required readings before every lecture, often with tight deadlines, creating significant time pressure.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026

This course explores Dante's Divine Comedy, examining the journey of the human soul through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise within its historical and cultural contexts.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Reviewers note little to no out-of-class work, though exams are difficult without attending lectures. One reviewer found assignment criteria unclear, while others consider tests straightforward if lecture content is mastered.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026

HISTORY OF MEDICINE IN SOUTH ASIA explores historical South Asian conceptions of health, illness, and traditional healing systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2022–Fall 2024

An introduction to the study of religion and health using humanities and social science approaches.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Historical reviews of Corrie Norman: Reviewers report an absurd amount of reading, often 50 pages per lecture, and multiple four-page essays. Grading is described as overly harsh, with some noting unrealistic expectations for a 100-level course.

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2022–Fall 2025

Explores the development of Jewish law from antiquity to modernity, focusing on business practices and ethics.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2023–Fall 2025

Introduction to the text, development, history, and social context of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and early Jewish literature.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026