
Department of Religion
Introduction to the Department
The study of religion has been important at Ohio Wesleyan since the university was founded in 1842, when the the training of a skilled and literate ministry was a key mission. Today, the study of religion is no longer confined to those who want to enter the professional ministry. Students planning careers in business, social services, law, medicine, education, and other fields benefit from careful study of religious phenomena and history. Additionally, religion students may find that their personal faith and devotional lives are strengthened by the study of religion and by looking objectively at the faith and devotion of other religious persons.
Department Features
- You can study scriptural languages with religion faculty members. If you qualify, you may study Hebrew, New Testament Greek, and Sanskrit on a tutorial basis.
- Religion majors often study abroad in Europe, Asia, and Latin America to pursue individual projects in religion.
- Recent graduates have earned admission and full scholarship offers from some of the top graduate programs in the country.
- Because of the small class sizes, students are able to build strong relationships with their classmates and professors.
- Classroom discussions deal with real world issues, allowing students to interact with society in a more informed way.
Available Majors


Available Minors
Religion
Requirements
Students take five courses of their choice to earn the Religion minor. The minor is popular among students wanting to understand their own tradition better and/or incorporate their understanding of religion into the study of science, business, psychology, history, etc.

Blake Michael
Professor of Religion
Professor Michael's special interests are in religious phenomena of Asian cultures.

Susan Gunasti
Associate Professor of Religion
Professor Gunasti complements the humanities section of International Studies by teaching Introduction to Islam, Women and Gender in Islam, and Modern Islam and Its Political Ideas

Emmanuel Twesigye
Professor of Religion
Professor Twesigye’s teaching specialty is church history, theology, and Christian ethics.
Rare Liturgical Books
Beeghly Library has many uncommon and valuable 19th-and early 20th-century works on religion. In addition, students have access to the library of the nearby Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
Global Travel
Faculty take their classes to institutions relevant to what they are teaching to students. Faculty have taken students to the Holocaust Memorial in Detroit, Buddhist meditation centers, and the Hindu Hare Krishna temple in West Virginia.
Merrick Lecture
The Merrick Lecture series brings a visiting renowned scholar in religion or philosophy visits and has a discussion with students each year.
Department Contact Info
Location
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
E religion@owu.edu
Department Contact
Associate Professor of Religion
Phillips Hall 219
740-368-3829
sgunasti@owu.edu
Academic Assistant: Kandi Akers
Phillips Hall 52
740-368-3825
kjakers@owu.edu