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Religion deals with the most basic and ultimate questions of human existence: the meaning and purpose of life; the presence of death, sorrow and anxiety; the existence of God; questions of morality and justice; the possibilities of transcendence, salvation, and liberation for individuals and communities. Religion plays a central role in the construction of human cultures and societies, motivating and legitimating social, political, and ethical action. Religion has been and continues to be a powerful influence in literature, the arts, and history, as well as in current civil and global conflicts.
Our Programs
Religious studies as an academic discipline does not indoctrinate in any religious tradition (though it may certainly help students clarify their own thinking and convictions), and the department does not advocate or promote any particular devotional perspectives. Rather, it takes a scholarly and analytical approach, and, as such, is open to students from all backgrounds, secular and religious. The academic study of religion examines the various religious traditions of the world, east and west, in their historical and contemporary contexts. It explores the various ways in which religion shapes culture and history, forms values, and authorizes human action. Thus religious studies is an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum.
Courses in religious studies are divided into three streams: Eastern Traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian Religions), Western Traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), and Religion and Culture. Introductory courses (at 1000 and 2000 level) lay the foundation for focused study of particular traditions and for courses that explore how religion relates to themes in the wider culture - such as in the arts, gender issues, and ethics (at 3000 and 4000 level). Other courses deal with scriptures, ethics, theology, philosophy, gender, literature, and film.
The Humanities 1600-series is intended to provide an introduction to Humanities disciplines. These three-credit (half-year) courses offered by the participating disciplines of classics, history, philosophy and religious studies are designed to acquaint beginning students with the methodologies typical of these disciplines and to familiarize them with the approaches taken, as well as the sorts of themes pursued and questions raised in these disciplines.
Students may choose an Honours, major or minor in Religious Studies as part of their Bachelor of Arts degree. Students studying in the commerce, science, international relations, fine arts, music, or other Bachelor of Arts programs may choose to study Religious Studies courses as electives.
Where to from here?
Mount Allison’s Religious Studies Program provides direct academic grounding for graduate studies in religious studies and in theology.
Mount Allison graduates also find that they have developed a broad liberal arts background for careers in such areas as:
• education
• social work
• journalism
• politics and diplomacy
• business
• law
Faculty Research
Faculty members from the Religious Studies Department are active in research and publishing. They publish articles and books on a variety of subjects including: gender studies, ethics, postmodernism, philosophy, theology, and religion and culture.