About Kent School

Kent School is an independent college preparatory boarding school serving grades 9-12 located in Kent, CT. We are guided by our motto — Simplicity of Life, Directness of Purpose, Self-Reliance — to educate our students intellectually, socially, ethically, and spiritually so that they will be prepared to contribute to the common good in the world beyond Kent School.

Kent School

Psychology and Religion

Psychology and Religion

This study teaches how to think, rather than what to think. Each class includes the use of philosophy, historical criticism, and the identification of “problematics."

Religions are features of the modern pluralistic world. The study of religion at Kent—which follows the American Academy of Religion's guidelines honoring objectivity in method—builds empathy and increases cultural awareness.

Establishing Context and Fostering Respect

By examining the concept of religion itself, we develop a respect for every person's religious perspective.

Open, Critical Thinking

Kent's Religion faculty model how to think critically about religion and demonstrate that critical thought is not antithetical to faith, it is a vital component of faith.

A Sense of Wonder

Deep, philosophical questions are at the root of studying religion. As you ask questions and pursue answers about religion, you will be encouraged to maintain a sense of wonder and awe in your exploration.

Religion Courses

Psychology & Religion

Psychology and Religion

This course will survey different cultural, religious, and scientific attitudes toward dreams and dreaming. Reading Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung as well as contemporary authors, we will bring science and religion into dialogue by exploring both side by side regarding a universal human experience: everyone sleeps, everyone dreams. Prerequisite: open to students in the Fifth and Sixth Form.

Non-violent Conflict & Change

Advanced Studies: World Religions

This is a term-contained class that examines religious traditions beyond the Introduction to Religion and Culture course. The Abrahamic religions and the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism serve as a starting point. A major concern is what makes a “religion”? How is it defined? What is unique about the study of religion as opposed to other academic disciplines? The reading topics depend on the interest of the teacher and students. Prerequisite: open to students in the fifth and sixth form.

Psychology & Art

Psychology & Religion

Psychology and Religion seeks to establish a dialogue between the discourse of science and the questions and concerns of religion. The class acknowledges and makes explicit the very different ways science and religion view “knowledge.” We look at the history of psychology from the ancient Greeks through the 21st century, read selections by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, and engage contemporary thinkers such as Rene Girard and Ernest Becker on questions regarding the value of religion, the human fear of death, and the problem of violence. Prerequisite: open to students in the Fifth and Sixth Forms.

Self-Perception

This course will explore various psychologies on personality type, persona and the factors that come into play as we learn to become ourselves. Identity will be explored culturally, ethnically, and personally, in order to explore all the factors at play in our sense of ourselves. Finally, we will explore the history of the internet and social media platforms and how these technologies play a role in our sense of selves, for good or for bad. Prerequisite: open to students in the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms.

Advanced Studies in World Religions

This is a term class that examines religious traditions beyond the Introduction to Religion and Culture course. The Abrahamic religions and the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism serve as a starting point. A major concern is what makes a “religion”? How is it defined? What is unique about the study of religion as opposed to other academic disciplines? The reading topics depend on the interest of the teacher and students. Prerequisite: open to students in the Fifth and Sixth Forms.