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Honors Program
Mission
The Bethany College Honors Program is a college-wide community of faculty and students engaged in the study of the tangible and imaginable worlds through the integration of the skills of multiple academic divisions and multiple modes of learning. By offering student-driven, innovative courses, honors dorm living, and unique opportunities outside the classroom to outstanding students, the Honors Program furthers creative thinking and intellectual independence and promotes a community of inquiry that thrives on the ideals of the liberal arts education.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will produce an honors-level senior project within their major, demonstrating advanced research, critical thinking, and writing skills. This project will reflect an integration of interdisciplinary knowledge, intellectual independence, and original thought.
- Students will critically reflect on their experiences of living in an intellectually stimulating, scholarly community, demonstrating an understanding of how collaborative learning environments foster personal and academic growth.
- Students will synthesize and apply knowledge from multiple academic disciplines, showing the ability to integrate diverse epistemologies and modes of inquiry in their academic work and broader intellectual pursuits.
Religious Studies
Mission
The Department of Humanities fosters intellectual growth and cultural understanding through the study of religious studies, English, and world languages. Aligned with the College's mission, the department cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful contributions in an interconnected world. The department’s interdisciplinary approach encourages the exploration of world religious traditions, language, and artistic expression, shaping informed and compassionate individuals ready to engage with diverse global perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the ability to discern accurate and credible information regarding the intellectual, ritual, moral, and practical dimensions of the world’s major religions, including their internal diversity, and critically analyze how these elements shape societies and cultures.
- Students will develop the capacity to critically read and analyze complex texts in the humanities, recognizing patterns and themes within and across traditions, and formulate coherent arguments and critical questions based on this analysis.
- Students will create compelling written work in multiple formats—argumentative, analytical, and investigative—utilizing credible sources, and articulate complex ideas effectively in oral presentations, fostering thoughtful discussions about religious and cultural topics.
- Students will apply religious studies knowledge and critical skills to diverse professional and academic contexts, showcasing expertise in cultural literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication to prepare for graduate studies or careers in religion and related fields.