Religious Studies

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.

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). 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 levels) 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 levels).

The Humanities 1600-series is intended to provide an introduction to Humanities disciplines. These three-credit 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.

Further information is available on request from the Department Office, Room 112, Hart Hall (364-2556).

RELIGIOUS STUDIES ELECTIVES

Those who wish to do electives may choose from Religious Studies courses in the 1600 series: 1641, 1651, and 1671; or from 2401, 2801, 2811, 2821, 2831, or 2841; or with appropriate prerequisites, several other courses in the Department.

Disciplinary B.A. Programmes

MINOR in Religious Studies is 24 credits earned as follows:

6	from the Humanities 1600 Series
6	from Religious Studies at the 2000 level
12	from Religious Studies at the 3000/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

MAJOR AREA OF STUDY in Religious Studies is 60 credits earned as follows:

6	from the Humanities 1600 Series
6	RELG 2401 and 2801
3	RELG 3901
3	from RELG 3001, 3101, 3301 or 3311
3	from RELG 3501, 3601, or 3701
3	additional credits from RELG 3001, 3101, 3301, 3311, 3501, 3601, or 3701
18	from 3/4000 level Religious Studies courses, with at least 6 from 4000 level Religious Studies courses
18	credits from complementary courses in Arts and Letters, Humanities and Social Sciences, which may include further 2000 level Religious Studies courses, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

HONOURS in Religious Studies is 72 credits earned as follows:

60	credits as in the Major, plus:
6	from Religious Studies 4990
6	from Religious Studies at the 3/4000 level, chosen in consultation with the Programme Advisor.

Note: The listing of a course in the calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.

Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department or Programme Coordinator must be obtained.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSES

RELG 1641 (3CR)
RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON THE BODY AND SEXUALITY
This course examines cross-cultural reflections on the human body and sexuality. The course will begin by situating these topics within the larger worldview of each tradition. In addition, it will examine issues of bodily functions, gender roles, sexual orientation, and related topics.

RELG 1651 (3CR)
CONTEMPORARY MYTHS
This course identifies and explores some of the most prominent of the myths that shape our perspectives on life and set our priorities for living. The kind of myths that will be considered are: a science myth, a sports myth, a sex myth, a society myth, a consumer myth, an ecology myth, and a religion myth.

RELG 1671 (3CR)
SACRED SPACE AND PILGRIMAGE
This course examines how the phenomena of "sacred space" and "pilgrimage", or "sacred journey", originate and give expression to core beliefs, symbols, and devotion of various world religions. Particular attention is focused upon ancient and contemporary Jerusalem, a hotly contested site of holiness for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Exclusion: RELG 1671

RELG 2401 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO EASTERN RELIGIONS
This course introduces the origins, history, philosophy and practice of the major religions of India, China, and Japan, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto.
Exclusion: RELG 2211

RELG 2801 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN RELIGIONS
This course examines the history, beliefs, practices, and contemporary socio-cultural significance of what are conventionally called the Western religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course will also briefly examine Ancient Near Eastern religions (Egyptian and Mesopotamian), Greco-Roman paganism, as well as Zoroastrianism and Baha'i.
Exclusion: RELG 2201

RELG 2811 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE I: HEBREW BIBLE
An introduction - in English translation - to the literature of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament. Selected passages are discussed in the context of Israel's history, religion, and society, set against the backdrop of the Ancient Near Eastern civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. We will seek to understand why these texts and the religion they represent have been so influential and in what ways they still illuminate and speak to the human situation today.
Exclusion: RELG 2001

RELG 2821 (3CR)
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE II: NEW TESTAMENT
This course discusses the literature of the New Testament, in English translation, in light of the historical and cultural conditions from which it emerged. The New Testament is analyzed both as a witness to Jesus and to Christian origins, and as a text which has exerted enormous creative power within human culture and history.
Exclusion: RELG 2011

RELG 2831 (3CR)
FAITH AND DOUBT
Consideration of western theism in terms of possibilities and forms of religious knowledge, rationality of belief in God, the challenge of the problem of evil, and the nature and significance of religion.
Exclusion: RELG 2501

RELG 2841 (3CR)
THE APOCALYPTIC CONSCIOUSNESS
A study of the apocalyptic consciousness in ancient documents and in modern thought, particularly with reference to ideas about the Day of Judgment and Second Coming. In addition to biblical and non-biblical texts, students will reflect on contemporary portrayals of the apocalyptic image in art, literature and film. Modern manifestations of the apocalyptic cult will be explored, with specific reference to cults of expectation.
Exclusion: RELG 2031

RELG 3001 (3CR)
HINDUISM
A study of Hinduism, examining its origins, history, philosophy, and culture. The course will treat ancient, classical, medieval and modern periods, and conclude with a discussion of the challenges facing contemporary Hinduism.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3261

RELG 3101 (3CR)
BUDDHISM
A study of Buddhism, examining its origins, history, philosophy and cultures. The course will treat the three major strands of classical Buddhism, and conclude with an analysis of the growing phenomenon of Western Buddhism.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3271

RELG 3301 (3CR)
RELIGIONS OF CHINA
This course will study the religious traditions of China, examining the basic ideas and concepts underlying Chinese religion and the ways in which these ideas were implemented. The course will look in detail at both Confucianism and Daoism, at Chinese folk religion, and at the adaptation of Buddhism to China. It will conclude with an evaluation of the current state of religion in China.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.

RELG 3311 (3CR)
RELIGIONS OF JAPAN
This course will study the religious traditions of Japan, examining the underlying ideas and concepts of Shinto, including its relation to Shamanism, the nature and role of Kami, the role of purity and aesthetics, and its political functions. The introduction and adaptation of Buddhism and its relation to Shinto will be discussed, as will the modern day "new religions" which form such a vital part of contemporary Japanese religious practice. The influence and roles of Confucianism and Daoism will also be briefly covered.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.

RELG 3411 (3CR)
GENDER ISSUES IN EASTERN RELIGIONS
This course examines the role that gender plays in the context of myths, scriptural texts, rituals and doctrine, in the major religious traditions of the East. Attention will be paid to such matters as sexuality and sexual orientation, the body, feminism and other critical approaches, political rights and responsibilities, access to religious experience, and spiritual leadership.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3900, 4280

RELG 3501 (3CR)
JUDAISM
This course examines the roots and various expressions of Judaism in the ancient world up to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE and the rise of Rabbinic Judaism. Jewish life in the medieval world and the Islamic East, as well as the emergence of Kabbalah, are also discussed. The course then examines the emergence of various expressions of modern Judaism, including religious Zionism. The core convictions, sacred texts, institutions, and practices of Judaism will be analyzed within these historical contexts.
Prereq: RELG 2801, or 2811; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3241

RELG 3601 (3CR)
CHRISTIANITY
A consideration of the central beliefs and forms of the Christian tradition in terms of their origins and relevance for today.
Prereq: RELG 2801 or 2831; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 2511

RELG/HIST 3611 (3CR)
CHRISTIANITY IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE
This course examines the crucial, defining crises of the ancient Christian communities in the social, political, and cultural context of Late Antiquity (roughly, 2nd to 6th centuries CE/AD) and the Roman Empire. Early Christianity is analyzed as a social movement, as a religious movement with a developing belief system, and as an historical phenomenon embedded within historical events and processes.
Prereq: RELG 2801 or 2821 or 3601 or third or fourth year History Major; or permission of the Department.
Note: This course is cross-listed as HIST 3611 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.
Exclusion: RELG 3601

RELG/HIST 3621 (3CR)
CHRISTIANITY IN CHRISTENDOM
A consideration of Christianity at the height of its political power in the middle ages.
Prereq: RELG 3601 or 3611 or third or fourth year History Major; or permission of the Department.
Note: This course is cross-listed as HIST 3621 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.
Exclusion: RELG 3620

RELG/HIST 3631 (3CR)
CHRISTIANITY IN THE REFORMATION ERA
A consideration of the reasons for and impact of the divisions in Christianity instituted by the Protestant Reformation.
Prereq: RELG 3601 or 3611 or 3621 or third or fourth year History Major; or permission of the Department.
Note: This course is cross-listed as HIST 3631 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.

RELG/HIST 3641 (3CR)
CHRISTIANITY AND MODERN STATES
A consideration of how secularization has occurred in various modern states and of the sphere of influence that remains for religion in these circumstances.
Prereq: RELG 3601 or 3611 or 3621 or third or fourth year History Major; or permission of the Department.
Note: This course is cross-listed as HIST 3641 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.
Exclusion: RELG/HIST 3641 (The Modern Church)

RELG 3661 (3CR)
THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION AND THE UNIVERSITY
This course will introduce students to a consideration of the relationship between the Christian tradition and the origins and philosophy of the university, science, education and the liberal arts. The student will be encouraged to explore the complex inter-relatedness of litterae and religio and scientia, especially the creative tensions among these ways of knowing.
Prereq: RELG 2801 or 3601; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 2601

RELG 3701 (3CR)
ISLAM
This course traces Islam from its origins in the life and activities of Mohammed through to contemporary world Islam and its diverse responses to the challenges of "modernity" and the West. The world view, institutions, rituals, and practices of Islam will be studied within these changing historical and cultural contexts. Effort will be made throughout to gain insight into the religious, spiritual impulses which animate Islam and unite devout Muslims.
Prereq: RELG 2801; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3291

RELG 3811 (3CR)
GENDER ISSUES IN WESTERN RELIGIONS
This course examines the role that gender plays in the context of myths, scriptural texts, rituals and doctrine, in the major religious traditions of the West. Attention will be paid to such matters as sexuality and sexual orientation, the body, feminism and other critical approaches, political rights and responsibilities, access to religious experience, and spiritual leadership.
Prereq: RELG 2801; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3900, 4280

RELG/PHIL 3891 (3CR)
ORIENTAL THOUGHT
A study of the ancient trends of Oriental literature in the light of western philosophical concerns. Readings include the Hindu Bhagavad-gita, the Chinese Tao Te Ching, and selected Buddhist writings.
Prereq: Six credits in Philosophy; or permission of the Department.
Note: This course is cross-listed as PHIL 3891 and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.

RELG 3901 (3CR)
THEMES AND THEORIES IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
This course examines various kinds of religious phenomena, including mystical experience, sacred texts, religious ethics, and ritual, and explores the different ways they are understood and interpreted in the discipline of Religious Studies. Major theoretical approaches, including text-historical, phenomenological, gender-critical, philosophical, cultural-critical, are explored and critically assessed for their value in the study of religion.
Prereq: RELG 2401, 2801; or, permission of the Department. This is a required course for all Majors and Honours students in Religious Studies, and is recommended for those taking a Minor.

RELG 3911 (3CR)
CONTEMPORARY ETHICAL ISSUES (WESTERN)
A consideration of the nature of ethics will be followed by exploration of some of the most prominent contemporary ethical issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, ecology, gay rights, racism, and sexism.
Prereq: RELG 2801 or 3601 or PHIL 2701; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3541

RELG 3921 (3CR)
EASTERN RELIGIONS AND CONTEMPORARY ETHICAL ISSUES
A discussion of the Eastern Traditions' responses to contemporary ethical issues, such as those of abortion, euthanasia, ecology, and bio-medical technologies. The course will look at both classical and contemporary perspectives.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.

RELG 3931 (3CR)
THE BIBLE AND THE ARTS
This course will explore major biblical themes in the art and literature of the western world, looking at ways in which themes such as creation, liberation, salvation, resurrection, and fulfilment have been portrayed and interpreted in literature, the visual arts and music. The focus will be on the widespread influence of the Bible and biblical motifs on Western culture.
Prereq: RELG 2801 or 2811 or 2821; or permission of the Department.

RELG 3941 (3CR)
RELIGION, REVOLUTION AND VIOLENCE
This course examines the development and historical manifestations of ideologies of violence and nonviolence within the major world religions, with special attention to how these ideologies continue to play themselves out in contemporary global and national conflicts.
Prereq: RELG 2401 and 2801; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3231

RELG 3951 (3CR)
ETHICS IN BUSINESS
A consideration of how ethics is and may be involved in business practice for individuals and corporations.
Prereq: Open to third and fourth year students; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3550

RELG 3961 (3CR)
ETHICS IN BUSINESS CULTURE
A consideration of the challenges posed for business ethics by the power of the limited liability corporation and its expansion into the transnational corporation and the global economy as reflected in the World Trade Organization.
Prereq: Open to third and fourth year students; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3550

RELG 3971 (3CR)
RELIGION IN FILM
This course examines the cultural legacy and/or influence of various religious traditions and scriptural texts in the modern medium of film. It begins, with an examination of some great religious "epics", and then considers more recent cinematic treatments of religious themes and figures.
Prereq: RELG 2401 and 2801; or permission of the Department. (2811 and 2821 are also strongly recommended)

RELG 3981 (3CR)
RELIGIOUS ETHICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
What role does religion play in our interaction with the environment? This course examines various religious perspectives on nature and environmental ethics. Focusing primarily on Eastern traditions, the course begins by reviewing the concept and place of nature in various religions, and then critically examines scholarship which applies religious perspectives to issues in environmental ethics. We will also consider the religious basis of certain environmental thinkers and movements.
Prereq: RELG 2401; or permission of the Department.

RELG 4401 (3CR)
HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM IN LITERATURE
A seminar-style course treating several genres of Hindu and Buddhist literature. The course will begin with a study of classical texts, such as the Hindu epics and the Buddhist canon, and will conclude with a discussion of contemporary literary works.
Prereq: RELG 3001 or 3101; or permission of the Department.

RELG 4411 (3CR)
ADVANCED STUDIES IN EASTERN THOUGHT
A seminar-style course on Eastern philosophies, focusing on the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The course will examine both classical systems of thought and their modern interpretations.
Prereq: RELG 3001 or 3101; or permission of the Department.

RELG 4421 (3CR)
EASTERN RELIGIONS AND THE CHALLENGE OF MODERNITY
A senior-level course studying the contemporary state of Eastern Religions. The course will discuss the recent histories of the Eastern Religions, looking at the challenges of science, the impact of colonialism, movements of political independence, and issues of poverty and social justice. It will particularly study these traditions' encounter with the West, and their responses to the cultural exchange that ensues from this encounter.
Prereq: RELG 2401 and either 3001 or 3101; or permission of the Department.

RELG 4601 (3CR)
RECENT CHRISTIAN THOUGHT
Consideration of influential directions in recent theology with focus on approaches such as secular theologies, political theologies, liberationist theologies, feminist theologies, environmental theologies, process theologies, and post-modern theologies.
Prereq: RELG 3601; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3531

RELG 4801 (3CR)
MODERN WESTERN CRITIQUES OF RELIGION
Consideration of challenges to religion by prominent modern thinkers such as Hume, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Feuerbach, Darwin and Nietzsche.
Prereq: RELG 2831; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3521

RELG 4821 (3CR)
SACRED TEXTS IN WESTERN RELIGIONS
This course examines the phenomena of "sacred text" (scripture) and "sacred tradition" within Judaism (Torah), Christianity (New Testament), and Islam (Quran). The course addresses questions of the origin of sacred texts and how they nourish the religious, cultural, and social life of a community. It explores how diverse Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities at different periods in their histories have made fresh appropriations of the scriptural tradition through various strategies of interpretation.
Prereq: RELG 2811 or 2821, and one of 3501, 3601, or 3701; or permission of the Department.
Exclusion: RELG 3251

RELG 4841 (3CR)
SEXUALITY AND THE BIBLICAL TRADITION
This course will focus on the history of sexuality in the biblical and post-biblical traditions. The course examines, first, the Bible's treatment of the subject of sex (including bodily purity, reproduction and sexual orientation) through the close reading of biblical texts. It then looks at the Bible's influence on this subject in the history of Judaism and Christianity, and, finally, in the modern, secular era.
Prereq: RELG 2811 and 2821; or permission of the Department.

RELG 4950/4951 (6/3CR)
DIRECTED STUDY ON SPECIAL TOPICS
Independent reading and study under the direction of a member of the Department.
Prereq: Permission of the Department.

RELG 4990 (6CR)
HONOURS THESIS
Independent research and thesis writing under the direction of a member of the Department, for students in the Religious Studies Honours programme.
Prereq: Permission of the Department.