Records of the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Department of Religion and Culture

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item], [box], [folder], Records of the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Department of Religion and Culture, RG 15/21, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
2.8 Cubic Feet 2 boxes
Creator:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Department of Philosophy and Religion, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Department of Philosophy and Religion, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Religious Studies Program, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Department of Religion and Culture
Abstract:
The Department of Philosophy and Religion was formed in 1955, splitting into the departments of Philosophy and of Religion in 1983. The latter became the Religious Studies Program in 1994-1995, then the Department of Religion and Culture in 2009. This collection contains the records of these departments from 1960-2016. Materials include five-year departmental reviews, research, degree and grant proposals, course offerings, newletters, information on guest speakers and faculty members, and photographs.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [item], [box], [folder], Records of the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Department of Religion and Culture, RG 15/21, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains records belonging to the Department of Philosophy and Religion and its successive programs, primarily the Religious Studies Program and the Department of Religion and Culture. Some materials were maintained by the chairs and directors of these programs, including Guy Hammond and Elizabeth Struthers Malbon.

Series I: Departmental Records includes five-year departmental reviews, research, degree proposals, grant requests, course offerings, and more. Series II: Readings and Newsletters contains required readings and printed materials about the departments and programs. Series III: Departmental Events contains information on workshops, lectures, and visits of guest speakers invited by the department. Series IV: Faculty Records contains faculty information, including CVs, retirement resolutions, and faculty pictures. Series V: Lane Hall Photographs depict the renovations and repairs of Lane Hall in 1996.

Biographical / historical:

Moral philosophy courses had been offered as early as 1872 and religion courses since 1954. The Department of Philosophy and Religion was established in 1955, later joining the College of Arts and Sciences after it formed in 1961. The department split into the departments of Philosophy and of Religion in 1983. In 1994, the Department of Religion became the Religious Studies Program in the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS). In July 2003, Department of Philosophy and CIS moved to the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. In 2009, CIS was dissolved, and the Religious Studies program became the Department of Religion and Culture.

Acquisition information:
The Records of the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Department of Religion and Culture were transferred to Special Collections and University Archives in 2016.
Appraisal information:

Duplicate materials were weeded from the collection. Travel reimbursements were shredded by VT Records Management in accordance with Library of Virginia's Records Retention Schedule #GS-102, Series 012151 -- Reimbursement Records, Certificate of Records Destruction Form #7845.

Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Records of the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Department of Religion and Culture was completed in September 2021.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by format or subject into the following five series. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically.

  1. Series I: Departmental Records, 1960-2004, undated
  2. Series II: Readings and Newsletters, 1972-1998, undated
  3. Series III: Departmental Events, 1983-1997
  4. Series IV: Faculty Records, 1964-2016
  5. Series V: Lane Hall Photographs, 1996