Academic Departments

Department of Religion and Philosophy

	CYNTHIA J. CROWNER Chairman, Religion Department Cornell University, B.A.; San Francisco Theological Seminary, M. Div.
	Click here to read bio.

The department of religious studies provides students with 10 to 12 one-semester electives covering a wide range of topics with differing degrees of academic rigor. Except for students entering as post-graduates, all students are required to take one of these courses at some time during their Blair careers, but may take more.

While the School is at home with its Presbyterian heritage, the courses presume no previous knowledge and endorse no particular religious doctrinal stance. The role of the department is to open doors to spiritual and academic inquiry and to whet students’ appetites for the study of religion and philosophy.

In addition to classroom offerings, chapel meetings are an important part of the Blair week. These meetings bring together the entire Blair community to hear the Chaplain, the Headmaster, a student, faculty member or guest speaker on issues of ethical importance or spiritual insight. Chapel has become a time of sharing and learning with an emphasis on respect for the diverse cultures represented within the school. The annual Christmas Vespers is a Christian service for the entire school community.

	COURSE LIST SAMPLING
	Old Testament World Religions Personal Experience and Religion New Testament Ethical Philosophy The Psychology of Becoming Doubt, The Cornerstone of Faith Independent Study in Religion Self and Society (Psychology) Literature and the Spiritual Imagination Asian Religions
	Click here to download a pdf of course descriptions.

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