Religion and Public Engagement
The RPE Concentration is unique to Wake Forest University—the only program like it in the country. Encouraging theoretical and practical exploration at the intersection of religion and public life, the Concentration is open to Religious Studies majors and minors, who want explore the world and make a difference.
Students are able to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to the real world by engaging in public work through research projects, service-learning opportunities, and internships for academic credit. These internships take our concentrators all over the world, from downtown Winston Salem to south-central Chile—from Washington, DC to South Africa.
By working with the most qualified professors in various specialties, students develop competence in public engagement in reciprocal collaboration with diverse communities regionally, nationally, and globally.
Embracing the spirit of pro humanitate, the RPE Concentration allows students to pursue their deepest interests and directs them towards community development consistent with internationally accepted standards of human rights and the highest academic standards of teaching, research and collaboration.
Undergraduate Concentration in Religion and Public Engagement (9 hours)
Students who major or minor in Religious Studies may elect to complete a concentration in Religion and Public Engagement as part of their program of study. The concentration requires 9 hours of coursework including, (a) REL 332; (b) either REL 288: Field Program in Religion and Public Engagement, or REL 289: Mentored Research in Religion and Public Engagement; and (c) 3 credit hours earned in Group 2 or in a relevant course in the department approved by the Department Chair; but does not require any additional hours beyond those needed for the major or minor. Students declaring a concentration in Religion and Public Engagement must do so prior to the beginning of their final semester.
Core Course (3 hours)
REL 332. Religion and Public Engagement. (3h) – Examines the interface between religious communities and the public sphere, and the potential for social change in contemporary global and local contexts through a range of readings, guest lectures, field trips, and films. Traditions and emphasis may vary with instructor.
Internship or Mentored Research (3 hours)
REL 288. Field Program in Religion and Public Engagement. (3h) – Supervised internship with an integrated study of major themes in religion and public engagement carried out in partnership with one or more communities off campus. Conducted over one semester or one full summer. The internship includes assigned readings, a sustained research and writing portfolio, and an oral presentation.
REL 289. Mentored Research in Religion and Public Engagement. (3h) – Individual mentored research in religion and public engagement. Tailored to student research interests under the direction of a faculty member in the Department for the Study of Religions.
Elective Course (3 hours)
Any 3-credit hour course in Group 2 offered by the Department for the Study of Religions or a relevant course in the department approved by the Department Chair.
- What can you do with an RPE Concentration?
100% of students who have graduated with the RPE concentration are employed or in graduate school. They have become policy wonks, non-profit managers, community organizers, financial advisors, teachers, artists, and public health managers.
- What types of internships and projects are available?
In many cases we have created unique internships which suite the particular passions of our students. But students may also choose to pursue an internship with one of our existing community partners. The only limit is your imagination!
Lucas Johnston
Professor of Religion and Environment, Director of Religion and Public Engagement
Lynn Neal
Easley Professor of Religious Studies
Tanisha Ramachandran
Associate Teaching Professor
Nelly Van Doorn-Harder
Professor of Religious Studies, Co-Director – Middle East and South Asia Studies
Thank you for your interest in the Religion and Public Engagement Concentration.
If you have additional questions about RPE, please contact Jarrod Whitaker, Department Chair.