Religious Studies

Bachelor of Arts

(Faculty of Arts)

Why Study Religion? It is impossible to read the daily newspaper or watch a television newscast without coming across references to religion. Whether the report is about charitable work in the third world, bloody battles between rival religious factions, or the mass suicide of a strange cult, it is clear that religion is a major force in every part of the world. Religion has inspired great works of art and literature and it also has provided justification for bigotry and genocide. Whether in your multi-cultural neighborhood or in the "global village," chances are that you are in contact with people who belong to different religious communities. In such a pluralistic world, it is crucial for people to be religiously literate.

The Department of Religious Studies promotes open, non-denominational examination of the world's great spiritual traditions. Courses in Western and Eastern Religions emphasize the historical development of the world's great religions, introducing students to their scriptures and describing their main institutions and beliefs. Courses in the Nature of Religion provide opportunities for reflection on the nature and function of religion in society as well as in the psychology of individuals. Comparative analysis and the study of new religious movements also play a part in the attempt to understand religion and its place in the contemporary world.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission applicants are required to present appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.

Application/Document Deadlines

Why take this program?

Often students choose a Religious Studies major because they have an intense interest in, or a love for, the subject matter. They have a great curiosity about different cultural belief systems, and how others perceive the world and the universe. The Religious Studies field provides students with an opportunity to explore life’s fundamental questions and discover how others have answered them.

Would you like to pursue graduate studies in Religious Studies? An Honours degree in Religious Studies prepares students for the rigors of graduate studies. Discover your passions in the field of Religion as you complete an Honours thesis/research project in your final year, which is supervised by a department member.

What will I study in my first year?

As all students in Religious Studies are expected declare one of the three streams as a concentration, this is the perfect opportunity for you to sample each of the streams to decide which one you would like to focus on. Religious Studies 201 will provide you with an introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Religious Studies 203 explores Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Finally, Religious Studies 205 looks at the nature of religion and the academic study of religion.

You are encouraged to explore a variety of option courses in your first year that will compliment your studies in Religious Studies. Many students take courses in second languages, and are encouraged to take courses from the faculties of Communication and Culture, Fine Arts, Science or Social Sciences. For example, you might take a history course that complements your studies in Eastern Religions or an archeology course that lets you explore your interest ancient peoples and places. You could also take a Computer Science course to gain computer skills that employers love seeing on student’s résumés.

What will I study in later years?

As you move into your senior years you will continue to explore options in other faculties while continuing with your studies. Some examples of the courses that you might take at the senior level include: Religion and Politics, Religion and Social Morality and Women and Religion.

What can I do with this degree?

The great thing about studying a field in Humanities is that you’ll graduate with a number of marketable skills including:

• Social needs knowledge
• Critical and constructive thinking
• Interact with diverse groups
• Conceptual analysis
• Reasoned and detailed writing
• Knowledge of religious beliefs, doctrines and practices

Graduates from the Religious Studies program have a number of career options available to them in a variety of industries. Here is what some U of C grads have done with their Religious Studies degree:

• Paralegal - mediation
• Students Services Officer
• Guidance counsellor
• Consultant
• Author
• Administrator
• Marketing Research Analyst
• Youth Worker
• Parole Officer
• Technical Writer

To see a full list of potential skills, careers and industries available to you, visit the Career Services Career Profiles website (look under Religious Studies).

Additional Information

Department of Religious Studies