University of Calgary : Religious Studies RELS

Religious Studies RELS

RELS 200 201 203 205 273 300 301 302 303 305 307 309 310 312 313 314 316 319 320 322 323 325 327 329 331 333 335 337 339 341 343 345 347 349 353 357 359 363 367 369 373 377 379 381 383 385 387 389 397 398 399 417 437 439 441 443 447 451 453 461 463 469 477 479 484 486 491 577 590 595 601 603 605 607 609 681 683 685 701 703 705 707 709

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Religious Studies in the Faculty of Arts.

Department Head – V. Tumasz

Religious Studies Table of Streams

For use in selecting courses to meet stream requirements:

Western Religions	Nature of Religion	Eastern Religions
201	205	203
273	309	303
300	331	307
301	333	310
302	335	312
305	339	313
337	341	314
353	343	316
357	345	319
367	347	320
369	349	322
383	363	323
385	381	325
387	397	327
389	398	329
469	417	359
477	437	379
484	439	451
486	441	453
	443	461
	447
	463
	479

Religious Studies 373, 399, 491, 577, 590 and 595 will be designated as Western, Eastern or Nature of Religion depending on the topic covered. Religious Studies 200 and 377 are not counted in any of the three streams.

Note: To request "consent of the Department" , the student should contact the Department Undergraduate Program Support at rels@ucalgary.ca.

Note: The Department of Religious Studies' policy is to consider requests for prerequisite waivers no earlier than one month prior to the start of a term.

Note: Religious Studies 333, 339, 341, 349, 369, 373, 398 and 399 are senior level courses with no prerequisite.

Junior Courses

Religious Studies 200

Origin and Nature of Religious Worldviews

Readings (in English translation) from the classical literatures of middle Eastern and Asian religions. Introduction to the evolving mythological traditions from three geo-cultural centres (the middle East, India, and China) by examining recurring themes: cosmology; existential values and goals; destinies of humans, the world, and the cosmos.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 201

World Religions - Western

Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 203

World Religions - Eastern

Introduction to Eastern religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 205

The Nature of Religion

An introduction to the academic study of religion with particular emphasis on the nature of religion and the relationship of religion to contemporary thought and culture.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 273

Introduction to the Bible

Selected readings and topics from the Bible in English translation. The course introduces the Bible's role as a mythological foundation in Western culture. Topics include: human origins, value structures, world views; mythological and cultural evolution in the ancient Mediterranean culture that produced the Bible.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Senior Courses

Religious Studies 300

Classical Hebrew I

Classical or Biblical Hebrew language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient texts. No attempt will be made to provide any competence in medieval or modern Hebrew.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 207)

Religious Studies 301

Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

An introduction to the critical study and reading of the books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in English translation. The course focuses on the Bible as religious literature.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 302

Classical Hebrew II

Continuation of Religious Studies 300.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 300.
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 209)

Religious Studies 303

Introduction to Hinduism

The history, textual traditions, schools and sectarian traditions of Hinduism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 305

Greek Religion

A survey of religious beliefs and practices in the pre-Christian Greek World.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Greek and Roman Studies 205, 209, Religious Studies 201, 205, or 273, or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Greek and Roman Studies 305)

Religious Studies 307

Popular Hinduism

An introductory survey of the contemporary practices of Hinduism in South Asia and in diaspora Hindu communities throughout the world. Focusing on recent ethnographic research, the course examines the diversity of popular Hindu practices with special attention to differences defined by region, language, caste, and gender. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, the structure of social and family life, the organization of sacred space and time, ritual practices, and the influence and impact of modernity in Hindu life.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 309

Religious Experience

A study of philosophical and psychological theories of the nature and function of religious experiences and an introduction to a variety of religious experiences, which may include theophany, mysticism, enlightenment, conversion, and guilt.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, 273 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 310

Sanskrit I

Classical Sanskrit language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient Hindu or Buddhist texts.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 211)

Religious Studies 312

Sanskrit II

Continuation of Religious Studies 310.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 310 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 213)

Religious Studies 313

Early Buddhism

Buddhist developments from Buddha to Mahayana.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 314

Tibetan I

Classical Tibetan language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient Bon and Buddhist texts.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 215)

Religious Studies 316

Tibetan II

Continuation of Religious Studies 314.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 314 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 217)

Religious Studies 319

Vajrayana Buddhism

The development of the Vajrayana tradition in India, Tibet , China, Japan and in the West from medieval times to the present.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 320

Classical Chinese for Religious Texts I

Introduction to Classical Chinese language, with emphasis on developing the ability to read ancient Chinese religious texts.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 219)

Religious Studies 322

Classical Chinese for Religious Texts II

Continuation of Religious Studies 320.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 320 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 221)

Religious Studies 323

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana developments in India, China, Tibet or Japan.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 325

Female Saints and Sacred Figures in Eastern Religions

Feminine images in eastern religions such as goddesses, women as saintly persons, the Ultimate in female symbols.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 327

Tibetan Religious Traditions

The religious developments in Tibet, with emphasis on religious history, literature and philosophy and their contemporary implications.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 329

Buddhism in East Asia

The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of Buddhism in China and Japan.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 331

Religious Perspectives on Suffering

An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature and causes of human suffering.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 333

Religious Perspectives on Death and Afterlife

An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature of death and life after death.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 335

Feasts, Fasts and Rites of Passage: Religious Rituals and Practices

A major form of religious expression is the various practices and rituals performed by individuals and the community. Various ritual theories and approaches will be examined along with different examples of religious ritual expressions.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 337

Daughters of Eve: Female Images and Figures in Western Religion

A study of selected female images and important female figures in Judaism, Christianity and/or Islam.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 339

Transformations of Religion in Africa

Nature of religion through a study of religious transformations in Africa.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 341

New Religious Movements

An examination of the beliefs, practices and developments of new religious movements of both Eastern and Western origins (e.g. Krishna Consciousness, Transcendental Meditation, Unification Church, Children of God, etc.).
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 343

Religion and Social Morality

Critical examination of social theories of religion and religious perspectives on ethical issues of social, economic, and political consequence in contemporary cultures.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 205 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 345

God and Transcendence

Comparative and theoretical discussion of various traditions, Eastern and Western, regarding the object of religious belief and devotion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 347

Scripture and Religions

Comparative study of selected scriptures in Eastern and Western religions to identify how scripture functions in a range of religious settings and to establish a basis for theoretical analysis of the nature of scripture.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 349

Religion and Politics

A study of the complex relationship between religion and politics, including nationalism and political religions. Topics may include the origin of apartheid in South Africa, Black Theology, the rise of the New Christian Right in America, Hindu and Islamic political movements, and various forms of Fascism including the Nazi movement.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 353

Islam in the Modern World

Reform, revivalist and sectarian movements and significant thinkers in Modern Islam.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 357

The Religious Civilization of Islam

A survey of the basic religious ideas, texts, figures, and practices in Islam, including their historical development.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 359

East Asian Religious Traditions

The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of traditions including Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Buddhism will not be examined in this course.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 363

Comparative Philosophy of Religion

Comparative study of philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 205 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 367

Comparative Studies in Western Religions

A comparative and critical examination of a specific topic within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Possible topics include: The Good Life, Material Culture, Pilgrimage, and Scriptural Exegesis.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.
Notes: May be counted only twice towards the Major field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 369

Introduction to Judaism

An introduction to the major practices, beliefs, institutions and religious literature of the Jewish religion, as developed from antiquity to modern times.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 373

Topics in Religious Studies

Topics may include an overview of a specific religious tradition, an examination of religious expressions in a particular context, a thematic study of a religion or religions, or a methodological approach to the study of religion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 377

Research and Critical Inquiry in Religious Studies

Systematic instruction in research methods, academic writing, and the practice of critical analysis in the field of Religious Studies. Besides practical instruction, students will be introduced to a variety of methods and theories used in the academic study of religion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, or 273, or consent of the Department.
Notes: Open only to Religious Studies minors, majors and Honours students and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.

Religious Studies 379

Eastern Religions in the West

Examines the historical emergence and contemporary manifestations within Western culture of Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and/or Taoism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 203 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 381

Women and Religion

An examination of the views on and participation of women in selected religious traditions.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 201, 203, 205, 273, or any Women's Studies course or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 383

Origins of Christianity: 100 BCE-200 CE

Study of formative Christianity in its political, social and religious contexts with particular attention to its origins within Second Temple Judaism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 385

Councils, Canons and Creeds: Christianity 200-800 CE

Examination of social, economic, cultural, religious and political factors that influenced the evolution of early Christian identities as expressed through doctrine, rituals, practices, clerical structures and scripture.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 387

Scholastics, Mystics and Reformers: Christianity 800-1600 CE

An overview of medieval Christianity and of various sixteenth century Protestant and Catholic Reform movements.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 389

Modern Christianity: 1600 - Present

An overview of the Christian response to modernity, from the early modern and enlightenment periods through to the contemporary period.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 201 or 273, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 397

Religion and Science

The relationship between religion and science with emphasis on contemporary discussions regarding the intersection of religious thought and theories in the natural sciences.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 205 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 398

Religion and the Environment

Consideration of issues of public environmental concern from the perspectives of religious studies and ethics. Possible topics include climate change, water depletion, environmental pollution, animal stresses, species/ecosystem decimation, and the climate refugee problem.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Religious Studies 399

Religion in Popular Culture

The intersection of religion with popular culture is explored through specific topics.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Notes: May be counted only once towards the major field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 417

Recent Religious Thought

Detailed examination of a selected writer, topic, or intellectual current in recent religious thought. Possible topics include process thought, liberation theology, post-Holocaust theology, and existentialism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): At least one 300-level Nature of Religion course (see Table of Streams at beginning of Department offerings) or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 437

Hermeneutics and Religion

Significance of the hermeneutical tradition for an understanding of religious issues and traditions with attention to the thought of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Husserl, Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 377 plus one other 300-level Religious Studies course, or consent of the Department.
Notes: Only open to Religious Studies majors and Honours students and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.

Religious Studies 439

Advanced Studies in New Religious Movements

Detailed study of selected topics in New Religious Movements.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 341 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 441

Millenarian Movements

A study of religious and political millenarianism. Persons such as Louis Riel, Thomas Muntzer, Karl Marx and William Aberhart. Movements such as cargo cults, nativism, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 341, or Political Science 310, or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Political Science 441)

Religious Studies 443

Comparative Mystical Traditions

An examination of experiences and beliefs of mystics in selected religious traditions as well as theoretical discussion of the nature of mysticism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): At least one 300-level Nature of Religion course (see Table of Streams at beginning of Department offerings) or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 447

Theories of Religion

A critical examination of various theories used in the academic study of religion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 377 plus one other 300-level Religious Studies course, or consent of the Department.
Notes: Only open to Religious Studies major and Honours students and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.

Religious Studies 451

Advanced Studies in Hinduism

In-depth study of the historical developments of Hinduism (Vedic, Classical, Medieval, Modern) in a seminar or independent study format.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 303 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 453

Advanced Studies in Buddhism

A seminar course that focuses on selected traditions, or philosophical or historical themes, such as Madhyamaka, Yogacara, T'ien T'ai, Hua Yen, Zen, Pure Land, Nyingma, Kargyud, Abhidharma, Tathagatagarbha, and Dhyana.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 313, 319, 323, 327, 329, or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 461

Advanced Studies in East Asian Religions

A seminar course that focuses on selected topics related to the Confucian, Taoist or Shinto tradition. Buddhism will not be examined in this course.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 359 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 463

Advanced Topics in Comparative Philosophy of Religion

Advanced comparative study of selected philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 363 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 469

Advanced Studies in Judaism

Selected topics in Jewish practices, institutions, beliefs and religious literature. Possible topics include: Jewish Movements of the Second Temple Era; Jewish Rituals and Observances; Midrash and Jewish Biblical Interpretation; Law and Religion in Judaism; Jewish Philosophy and Theology; Judaism in the Modern World; Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 369 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 477

Further Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Selected readings, in English translation, from the three major divisions (Pentateuch, Prophets, and Writings) of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Covers topics such as creation, miracles in Egypt, ark of the covenant, sacrifice, prophecies of the Bible, and biblical views of death and immortality.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 301 or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 479

Contemporary Scholarship in Women and Religion

A topical examination of developments in current research in such areas as: gender theory, postcolonialism, philosophy and religion, feminist theology, feminist evaluation of traditional religious structures, or interdisciplinary work in the reconstruction of women's religiosity.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 325, 337, 381, or consent of the Department.

Religious Studies 484

Advanced Studies in Early Christianity

A thematic examination of developments from the Origins of Christianity through to Late Antiquity Christianity (100 BCE – 800 CE) in such areas as saints and holy figures, biblical interpretation, ritual, material culture, literature, and/or doctrine.

Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 383 or 385, or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 486

Advanced Studies in Modern Christianity

This seminar course examines topics, personalities and movements from either the Early Modern period (such as the Protestant Reformation, Reformation Radicals, and German Pietism) or the Modern period since World War II (such as Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Roman Catholicism and Vatican II, Pentecostalism and Evangelical Christianity).
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 387 or 389, or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 491

Reading Religious Texts in Primary Languages

Study of religious texts in original languages such as Hebrew, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese or Japanese.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One of Religious Studies 302, 312, 316 or 322, or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 577

Senior Project Seminar

Students will complete an independent research project on a topic within their area of concentration in Religious Studies and present their research in a seminar setting.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 377 plus one full-course equivalent at the 400/500 level in Religious Studies, or consent of the Department.
Notes: Open only to Religious Studies majors and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.

Religious Studies 590

Honours Thesis

Students compose a major research paper under the close supervision of a member of the Department and defend the thesis before an examining committee.
Course Hours: F(0-3T)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 377 plus one full-course equivalent at the 400/500 level in Religious Studies, or consent of the Department.
Notes: Open only to students registered in the Religious Studies Honours program.

Religious Studies 595

Directed Independent Study

Advanced study of a particular topic under the direction of a faculty member. Qualified students will be supervised through a session of independent study.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): One FCE in Religious Studies at the 300 level and 0.5 FCE in Religious Studies at the 400 level and consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Graduate Courses

Religious Studies 601

Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 603

Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 605

Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 607

Supervised Master's Thesis Inquiry

Course Hours: H(0-3T)

Religious Studies 609

Selected Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion

Selected topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 681

Specialized Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 683

Specialized Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 685

Specialized Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 701

Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 703

Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 705

Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 707

PhD Departmental Colloquium

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT NOT INCLUDED IN GPA

Religious Studies 709

Advanced Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion

Advanced topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

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