Program Requirements
Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".Â
Joint Honours students should consult an adviser in each department to discuss their course selection and their interdisciplinary research project (if applicable).
Students in Joint Honours must maintain a program GPA and a CGPA of 3.00 (3.50 for First Class Honours) and attain a B- or higher in each program course. No overlap is allowed between the courses forming each segment of the Joint Honours program.
Students in Joint Honours Component Religious Studies choose either the Western Religions or Asian Religions option.
It is possible for students following either the Western Religions or the Asian Religions option of the Joint Honours Component Religious Studies to combine their program with the Joint Honours Component Philosophy and Western Religions as the Religious Studies program broadens the material included in the Philosophy and Western Religions program.
The requirements set out below pertain to the Western Religions option.
Complementary Courses (36 credits)
36 credits selected with the following specifications:
3 credits from Introductory Courses
3 credits from Advanced Courses
9 credits from Two Groups (Sources of Western Religious Traditions, History and Theology of the Christian Tradition) with at least 3 credits from each group
6 credits in Religion and Culture courses
15 credits, selected in consultation with an adviser, from Religious Studies (RELG) courses (or Approved Related Courses in Other Departments) at the 300-level or above, of which 9 credits must be at the 400-level or above
Introductory Courses
3 credits from:
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RELG 252 Hinduism and Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The interaction of Hinduism and Buddhism in India with special reference to the law of Karma, caste, women, ritual, death, yoga, and liberation. Determination of interpretative principles for understanding the religious psychology of Hindus and Buddhists.
Terms: Fall 2015, Summer 2016
Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E; Pinkney, Andrea Marion (Fall) Kachroo, Meera Jo; Troughton, Thomas (Summer)
Fall
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RELG 253 Religions of East Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Harmony with nature, society, and cosmos to be explored through the religions of the Far East (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Shinto).
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Blake, Lisa; Li, Jingjing (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 387 Introduction to Jainism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : This course provides an introduction to Jaina religious culture, including elements of its history, philosophy, cosmology, and monastic and lay practices. It also focuses on constructions of Jainismâ•Žs precept of universal non-violence (ahimsa), and addresses Jaina responses to contemporary social and ethical issues.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): RELG 252
Advanced Courses
3 credits from:
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RELG 456 Theories of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The history of the academic study of religion from its beginnings in the 19th century until the present. Key texts by figures such as Max Muller, Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Mircea Eliade, Claude Levi-Strauss and Clifford Geertz will be studied.
Terms: Fall 2015, Winter 2016
Instructors: Kanaris, Jim (Fall) Kanaris, Jim (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Restriction: For Religious Studies Majors and Honours students or with permission of the Chair of the Religious Studies B.A. Committee
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RELG 555 Honours Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Current trends in the study of religion, including the approaches of critical theory, feminism, post-modernism, and post-colonialism.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Kanaris, Jim (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: For Religious Studies Honours students or with permission of the Chair of the Religious Studies B.A. Committee
Two Groups
9 credits selected from two groups with at least 3 credits from each group:
Sources of Western Religious Traditions
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RELG 201 Religions of the Ancient Near East (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Introduction to the religions of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Syria-Palestine (excluding Israelite religion) from the fourth to first millennium B.C.E. Themes that will be discussed include: gods and goddesses, divine kingship, deification of kings, temple cult, death and afterlife, magic, piety, oracles, prayer, lament, myth and epic.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Bellavance, Éric (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 202 Religion of Ancient Israel (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An examination of the religion of Ancient Israel by a study of selected texts (narratives, laws, prophetic sayings, wisdom traditions, and psalms) from the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament in translation.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Oegema, Gerbern (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 302 Literature of Ancient Israel 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the literature of Ancient Israel in English translation. Reading and interpreting representative selections.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Kirkpatrick, Patricia (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 303 Literature of Ancient Israel 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Approaches to historical-critical scholarship and to the historical background of the Old Testament. Part of the course will be an examination of methods of biblical analysis through the use of learning cells.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Oegema, Gerbern (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 311 New Testament Studies 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the interpretation of the New Testament.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Tappenden, Frederick (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 312 New Testament Studies 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the critical study of the Gospels.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Tappenden, Frederick (Winter)
Winter
History and Theology of the Christian Tradition
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RELG 322 The Church in History 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A survey of major developments in the history of Christianity from the end of the apostolic age to 1500. Selected readings from primary and secondary sources will be used.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Kirby, W J Torrance (Fall)
Fall
**Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fourth lecture day.
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RELG 323 The Church in History 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Significant events and persons in the history of western Christianity from 1500 - 1948 will be studied. Attention is focused on mainline denominations in Britain and continental Europe.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Milner, Matthew (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 326 Ancient Christian Church AD54 - AD604 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Significant persons and events from Nero's reign to the papacy of Gregory I. Attention to major Christian centres within the Roman Empire before Constantine, to the development of the Eastern Byzantine Church, and to the growth of the papacy in the West. Leading Christian theologians and thinkers will be studied.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Henderson, Ian H (Winter)
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RELG 334 Christian Thought and Culture (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Explores the Christian narrative and theological worldview, in relation to western religion, ethics, philosophy, science, and culture, with reference to both primary and secondary literature.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Farrow, Douglas B (Winter)
Winter and Summer
Prerequisite: One prior course in Christianity, or History of Western Thought or by permission of the instructor.
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RELG 532 History of Christian Thought 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The development of Christian theology in the Patristic and Medieval periods. Focus on the controversial development of Christian doctrines and disciplines through intensive exposure to primary texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Prerequisite: At least six (6) credits at the 300 level in Christianity or the Christian Bible.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 320
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RELG 533 History of Christian Thought 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The development of Christian theology in the Reformation, Post Reformation and Modern periods through intensive exposure to primary texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Fall
Prerequisite: At least six (6) credits at the 300 level in Christianity or the Christian Bible.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 327
Religion and Culture
6 credits from:
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RELG 255 Introduction to the Study of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to classic and contemporary approaches to the academic study of religion that includes perspectives from philosophy, theology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, phenomenology, and feminism.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Kanaris, Jim (Fall)
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RELG 256 Women in Judaism and Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The role of women in Judaism and Islam from the point of view of institutionalized religious traditions and of women's religious subjectivity; how women's spiritual and social roles within their religious traditions are shaped by Revealed Law, Holy Text and the Authority of Interpretation. Comparative sociology of religion approach.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Summer
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RELG 271 Sexual Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of the social construction of sexual identity and of selected issues regarding sexual behaviour.
Terms: Fall 2015, Winter 2016, Summer 2016
Instructors: Waind, Jonathan (Fall) Waind, Jonathan; Koloszyc, David Jacob (Winter) Waind, Jonathan (Summer)
Winter
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RELG 338 Women and the Christian Tradition (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Survey of women's involvement in the Christian tradition. Topics include feminist interpretation of scripture, ideas of virginity, marriage and motherhood, mysticism, asceticisms, European witchhunts, contemporary women's liberation theories.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Marr, Lucille (Fall)
Fall
Core course for the Women's Studies Minor program
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RELG 340 Religion and the Sciences (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Philosophies of science and of religion have created a more positive dialogue on questions of method, symbolism and rationality. Examines key issues (e.g. creation and evolution; objectivity and involvement; determinism and freedom) raised by natural and social sciences, and various possible solutions.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Fall and Summer
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RELG 341 Introduction: Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Introduction to the subject. Faith and reason, theistic arguments, values and destiny, the problem of evil, religious language.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Green, Garth (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 347 Topics in Religion and the Arts (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Topics in religion and the arts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
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RELG 361 Religious Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of the psychological origins of religion, of some aspects of the religious life (e.g. prayer, conversion, mystical experiences), and of some contemporary religious phenomena (e.g. marginal religious groups, the charismatic movement, glossolalia). The views of Freud and Jung are also considered.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Winter
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RELG 370 Religion and Human Rights (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Social justice and human rights issues as key aspects of modem religious ethics. Topics include: the relationship of religion to the modem human rights movement; religious perspectives on the universality of human rights; the scope and limits of religious freedom; conflicts between religion and rights.
Terms: Fall 2015, Winter 2016
Instructors: Cere, Daniel M (Fall) Cere, Daniel M (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 371 Ethics of Violence/Non-Violence (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Forms of violence and the reaction of religious groups are assessed both for their effectiveness and for their fidelity to their professed beliefs. Different traditions, ranging from the wholesale adoption of violent methods (e.g., the Crusades) to repudiation (e.g., Gandhi; the Peace Churches).
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Summer
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RELG 375 Religion, Politics and Society (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of contemporary religious traditions in the light of debates regarding secularization, the relation of religion and politics, and the interaction of religion with major social institutions.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Nelson, Samuel (Fall)
Fall
Restriction: U2 and U3 students
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RELG 376 Religious Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A discussion of ethical theory will provide the background for an analysis of the relationship between religious world views and moral reason. Attention will be given to the way in which the dominant religious traditions view the exemplars of religious virtue, and to how the virtues exemplified are related to and justified by the faith tradition in which they operate.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
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RELG 377 Religious Controversies (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A comparative survey of types and topics of argumentation developed in the literature of controversy. Texts discussed include disputations, missionary sermons and polemical treatises.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Winter
Religious Studies (RELG)
15 credits, selected in consultation with the program adviser, from Religious Studies (RELG) courses at the 300 level or above, of which 9 credits must be at the 400 level or above.
A maximum of 6 credits from other departments may be used toward this requirement (see list below).
Approved Related Courses in Other Departments
The list below is NOT comprehensive. Students may take approved related courses in other departments of the Faculty of Arts, such as Anthropology, Art History, Classics, English, History, Italian Studies, Philosophy, and Sociology selected in consultation with the Program Adviser.
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EAST 354 Taoist and Buddhist Apocalypses (3 credits)
Overview
Asian Language & Literature : Visions of the end of the world in Medieval Chinese Buddhist and Taoist literature will be contrasted with Western apocalyptic materials. The course will trace the development of Buddhism and Taoism in China, focusing on millennarian movements, soteriology, public worship, and ritual.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
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EAST 551 Technologies of Self in Early China (3 credits)
Overview
Asian Language & Literature : Readings on self-cultivation drawn from Confucian, Legalist, and Taoist philosophic texts of early China (5th-2nd centuries B.C.) in translation will be compared with historical and archaeological materials on the evolving construction of the "individual'' in Chinese social structure, military organization, political and ritual codes.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Prerequisite (Undergraduate): One advanced course in EAST or permission of the instructor
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ISLA 410 History: Middle-East 1798-1918 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
3 hours
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ISLA 411 History: Middle-East 1918-1945 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The impact of WWI on Middle Eastern society and politics; the British and French mandates; the growth of nationalisms, revolutions and the formation of national states; WW II and the clash of political interests within the region.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Soske, Jon; Parsons, Laila (Winter)
3 hours
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ISLA 511D1 History: Islamic Civilization - Mediaeval Era (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The Seljuks, and the medieval synthesis. The Moors in Spain and North Africa. The Crusades. The Mongols and the destruction of the Baghdad Caliphate. The Mamluk, Persian, Turkish and Indian Empires until 1700.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
3 hours
Students must register for both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 511D2 History: Islamic Civilization - Mediaeval Era (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 511D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Prerequisite: ISLA 511D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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JWST 211 Jewish Studies 1: Biblical Period (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The history, literature and beliefs of Judaism's formative period. Both Biblical and non-Biblical materials will be studied. The Bible in the context of cognate literatures of the Ancient Near East; non-Biblical documents will be analysed for their bearing on the Jewish tradition.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Levy, B Barry (Fall)
All texts will be read in English
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JWST 252 Interdisciplinary Lectures (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Interdisciplinary lectures in Jewish studies. Topic varies by year.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
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JWST 316 Social and Ethical Issues Jewish Law 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : A brief introduction to the nature and history of Jewish law. Topics include: redemption of hostages; abortion; death and dying.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
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JWST 359 Topics in Jewish Philosophy 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Topics in Jewish philosophy. Topic varies by year.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
All texts in English
The following approved courses offered by Jewish Studies require a reading knowledge of Hebrew:
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JWST 330 A Book of the Bible (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : One book of the Bible will be studied in its entirety in Hebrew. Emphasis on the contributions of Ancient Near Eastern Studies (archaeology, comparative literature and Semitic linguistics) to understanding the text.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew
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JWST 345 Introduction to Rabbinic Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An introduction to the study of Rabbinic texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
All readings in English
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JWST 510 Jewish Bible Interpretation 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The issues, approaches, and texts of Jewish Bible interpretation between the Biblical and Talmudic eras: Bible interpretation in the Bible; in Greco-Roman Jewish literature; in the Mishnah, Tosefta, Targumim, and Talmudim; early Samaritan interpretation, Bible interpretation in ancient synagogue art, and in the massoretic literature.
Terms: Fall 2015
Instructors: Levy, B Barry (Fall)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 512
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JWST 511 Jewish Bible Interpretation 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The issues, problems, approaches, and texts of Jewish Bible interpretation in medieval, renaissance, early modern, and modern times. Interpretation in the Geonic, Ashkenazi, Sefardic, North African, Italian, European, Yemenite, North American and Israeli centres of Jewish Learning.
Terms: Winter 2016
Instructors: Levy, B Barry (Winter)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 512
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JWST 543 Maimonides as Parshan (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Biblical Interpretation in the Guide of the Perplexed and related writings.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Requires Departmental approval
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 540
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JWST 573 History of Hebrew Bible Text (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The text of the Hebrew Bible as it evolved between antiquity and the most recent printed edition. Attention will be given to the accurate reconstruction of the Bible from primary and secondary witnesses: Greek and Aramic translations, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient quotations, and the Massoretic notes and lists.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Prerequisite (Undergraduate): permission of instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 507