Secular Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on manifestations of the secular in societies and cultures, past and present. Secular Studies involves the study of non-religious people, groups, thought, and cultural expressions. There are many possible approaches, but the program emphasizes the meanings and impact of political secularism and philosophical skepticism, as well as various forms of private and public secularity. Secular studies is not a major, but students wishing to develop a special major in secular studies should consult with Professor Phil Zuckerman concerning a proposed plan of study.
Pitzer Advisers: Ciara Ennis, Scot A.C. Gould (Keck Science), Azamat Junisbai, Adrian Pantoja, Andre Wakefield, Phil Zuckerman.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcome #1: Students are able to compare and contrast different forms and manifestations of political secularism in various countries and societies around the world.
Student Learning Outcome #2: Students are able to understand and analyze key developments of secular thought and ideology over the course of history.
Student Learning Outcome #3: Students are able to articulate as well as critique fundamental philosophical justifications for atheism, agnosticism, naturalism, and humanism.
Student Learning Outcome #4: Student possesses a firm grasp of the demographic patterns and trends of secularity.
Student Learning Outcome #5: Students are able to articulate the ways in which the “secular” and the “religious” are often dialectically-related concepts/phenomena.
