University of North Carolina has new minor in Christianity, culture

Published: 2005-11-01

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (CNS) -- In what is believed to be a first at a public university in the U.S., the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched an interdisciplinary academic minor in the study of Christianity and culture. "Through the minor, students should gain both a critical and appreciative overview of the beliefs, history, expressions and influences of Christianity and Christian peoples," said Christian Smith, a professor of sociology and co-director of the minor. "This will add to our related programs, including the Jewish studies minor and the Middle East studies concentration, which facilitate study of the role and history of other religions," he added. Smith said the curriculum "is designed not to influence or change students' religious faith or practice, but to enhance their knowledge of the role of Christianity over time in the context of art, classics, literature, history, philosophy, politics and sociology."

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