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.
Deadlines for proposing student internships or mentored research
Fall semester internship/research: August 1, summer prior to Fall semester
Spring semester internship/research: November 1, Fall prior to Spring semester
Summer internship/research: April 1, Spring prior to Summer semester
If the project requires travel, RPE students should consider applying to the Lindmor Scholars Fund for projects. Please consult the faculty mentor and department chair, Jarrod Whitaker, for information.
REL 288: Field Program in Religion and Public Engagement
Assignments and Coursework
- Read 2-3 books related to the focus of the internship. These are selected in consultation with the RPE academic advisor.
- Write an 800-1000 word book review on each book:
- Describe the author’s reason for writing the book
- What problem/s do they address?
- How do they address it/them?
- How does religion affect/shape/influence/relate to the public issue/s with which you are dealing in your placement?
- What did you learn from the book that affected the way you understand/do the work?
- Journals: These journals should not be merely descriptive. They should also include integrative analysis (matching experiences with books under review), and explicit connections to your academic work. As you write your journal entries (2 single-spaced pages/week), address some of the following topics (whichever seems most important) each week:
- Learning Objectives: Describe the activities you are involved in. How do they relate to your learning objectives? What skills are you learning? How do religious practices, beliefs, or institutional dynamics affect the issue/s, work, site of the internship?
- Site Dynamics/Issues: Identify what is difficult or easy, frustrating or rewarding. Are there any conflicts with co-workers, supervisors, or clients? What responses are evoked for you? Are there logistical issues you need to talk to your supervisor about? Are there issues you’d like to talk with the RPE Academic Supervisor about?
- Other Challenges and Opportunities: Are there areas for growth, whether in terms of student skill-building or in arrangements with the community partner?
- Final paper (1600-2500 words): The paper should evidence significant integration between the personal insights offered in the journals, and the academic insights gleaned from the review books, as well as other coursework in and beyond religious studies. The goal is to indicate the ways in which this engaged experience informs your academic work, and the ways in which your academic work has helped you to be more intentional and sensitive in the duration of your engaged learning project. Your paper should assess the role and impact of religion in the issue(s) your internship and research and elucidate any important conclusions or takeaways from this experience.
- Give a final presentation
- Audience: Religion Department majors, minors, faculty, and any special invitees you wish to invite.
- Format: 20-minute presentation with 10 minutes for questions
- Why did you choose this internship context?
- What did you do during the internship?
- What are the most valuable insights you learned during your internship about religion and public engagement?
REL 289: Mentored Research in Religion and Public Engagement
Assignments and Coursework
- Create an outline of research duties and expectations in consultation with the faculty mentor.
- Compose summaries of research, journals, or other written work in consultation with the faculty mentor. This will vary according to the student/faculty agreement.
- Give a final presentation
- Audience: Religion Department majors, minors, faculty, and any special invitees you want to invite.
- Format: 20-minute presentation with 10 minutes for questions
- Why did you choose this research question?
- What did you do over the course of carrying out your research?
- What are the most valuable insights you learned while carrying out your research about religion and public engagement?
- 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!
Any faculty member in the Department for the Study of Religions may act as a mentor for REL 288/289.
Students are encouraged to reach out to faculty as early in the process as possible to coordinate the scope of work. Please feel free to direct any questions to members of the RPE Committee, Dr. Michael Grigoni (chair), Nelly Van Doorn Harder, and Lucas Johnston.
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.