Welcome to Religious Studies
understanding. convivencia. peace.
In Religious Studies at Cal Poly, we believe that changing the world begins by understanding. Our classes are opportunities for students to explore religions in our world in an unbiased and non-judgmental environment. Understanding leads to convivencia, a Spanish word used to describe the productive harmony that developed between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Moorish Spain. Convivencia goes beyond mere tolerance and instead recognizes the value of diversity while preserving the possibility of a search for a single truth. Convivencia in turn leads to authentic and lasting peace, grounded in a common humanity with its diverse religious ideals.