Six Harvard University professors have recently come out in favor of mandatory religion classes for college students. Classes like the ones suggested by the Harvard faculty are classes in religion rather than theology, that would focus on the history and beliefs of a certain religion rather than why one should believe in a particular religion.
This semester AU is offering five undergraduate courses in religion, three of which are part of the general education program, according to the registrar's Web site.
Mandatory religion classes would be particularly useful at AU. Students in the School of International Service particularly need to know about a range of religions in order to understand other cultures. Political Science students would benefit by understanding the many and varied religious beliefs of people here in the United States.
The best way to incorporate religion into the education of all AU students would be through the gen ed program. Students would be able to choose which religions to study in-depth, or take broad overview courses to help them understand as much as they can about many religions.
By providing a range of choices, AU (which is still affiliated with the United Methodist Church) could ensure that it more fully embraces the religious beliefs and educational needs of all its students.
