The Department of Comparative Religion and Humanities is devoted to the scholarly interpretation of religion and the appreciation and analysis of cultural traditions.
The department provides students with a foundational education in the world’s major religious traditions as well as in cultural traditions from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Our Approach
Interdisciplinary study is at the heart of the work of the department. Our majors gain familiarity with methods employed in the investigation of all manner of artistic media, including literature, art and architecture, film, music, and theatre.
They also make use of the approaches of history, linguistic and textual analysis, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy to make sense of personal experiences, stories, symbols, rituals, doctrines, and social institutions. The department empowers graduates to become literate guides for contemporary society in its quest to comprehend the histories, beliefs, and customs of diverse peoples and traditions.
Majors, Minors, and Degrees
See the course listings, descriptions, and requirements for each academic offering from the Department of Comparative Religion & Humanities (CORH).
Why Choose CORH at Chico State
Experience a Fusion of Disciplines
We have innovative courses that bring disciplines together. You can cover psychology, sociology, history, philosophy and art in our courses, probably the widest variety of topics available on the campus.
Ecological Perspectives in Religion
In courses such as RELS 323 “Religion and Nature” you will understand the variety of approaches to the natural environment in different cultures and religions that will help deal with the challenges facing the world today
Inspirational Thinkers Explored
In our programs you will be inspired by the greatest thinkers in history who have started religions and other movements that changed the world. In courses like HUMN 222 “Arts and Ideas: Renaissance to the Present”, RELS 332 “World Religions and Global Issues,” HUMN 300 “Conservatives and Liberals” and RELS 306 “Roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam” you will learn about the leadership qualities that shook the status quo and helped make the world what it is today
Internship Opportunities
Internship opportunities in classes like RELS 482 “Religion, Public Life and the Professions” have trained students to apply what they have learned in our classes to a variety of social justice and other important issues. Students have done internships as Death Doulas, Psychological Counsellors, Chaplains, Native American Land Claims Researchers, Soup Kitchen Assistants, Interfaith Outreach Workers, Museum Curators and more