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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
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Nature of Religion
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Eastern Religions
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201 |
205 |
203 |
300 |
309 |
303 |
301 |
331 |
307 |
302 |
333 |
310 |
305 |
335 |
312 |
337 |
339 |
313 |
353 |
341 |
314 |
357 |
343 |
316 |
367 |
344 |
317 |
369 |
345 |
319 |
383 |
348 |
320 |
385 |
349 |
322 |
387 |
363 |
323 |
389 |
381 |
325 |
469 |
397 |
327 |
477 |
398 |
329 |
484 |
417 |
359 |
486 |
437 |
451 |
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439 |
453 |
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441 |
461 |
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442 |
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447 |
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463 |
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479 |
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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", students 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.
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Religious Studies
200
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Origin and Nature of Religious Worldviews
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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)
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Religious Studies
201
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Jews, Christians and Muslims
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Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
203
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Asian Religions
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Introduction to Eastern religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
205
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Religion and The Good Life
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An introduction to the academic study of religion with particular emphasis on the nature of religion, its role as a response to existential questions, and the relationship of religion to contemporary thought and culture.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Religious Studies 205 and 350 will not be allowed.
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Religious Studies
300
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Classical Hebrew I
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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)
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Religious Studies
301
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Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
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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)
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Religious Studies
303
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Introduction to Hinduism
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The history, textual traditions, schools and sectarian traditions of Hinduism.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
307
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Popular Hinduism
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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)
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Religious Studies
309
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Religious Experience
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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)
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Religious Studies
310
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Sanskrit I
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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)
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Religious Studies
313
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Early Buddhism
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Buddhist developments from Buddha to Mahayana.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
314
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Tibetan I
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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)
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Religious Studies
317
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Religion in South Asia
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An in-depth survey of the religious traditions of the Indian sub-continent. Special attention will be given to the long history of religious pluralism and recent communal conflicts in South Asia. The course will cover religious traditions that have come to South Asia from other parts of the world (primarily Islam, but also Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Baha’i).
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
319
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Vajrayana Buddhism
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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)
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Religious Studies
320
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Classical Chinese for Religious Texts I
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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)
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Religious Studies
323
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Mahayana Buddhism
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Mahayana developments in India, China, Tibet or Japan.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
325
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Female Saints and Sacred Figures in Eastern Religions
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Feminine images in eastern religions such as goddesses, women as saintly persons, the Ultimate in female symbols.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
327
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Tibetan Religious Traditions
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The religious developments in Tibet, with emphasis on religious history, literature and philosophy and their contemporary implications.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
329
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Buddhism in East Asia
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The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of Buddhism in China and Japan.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
331
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Religious Perspectives on Suffering
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An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature and causes of human suffering.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
333
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Religious Perspectives on Death and Afterlife
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An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature of death and life after death.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
335
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Ritual and Religion
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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)
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Religious Studies
337
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Daughters of Eve: Female Images and Figures in Western Religion
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A study of selected female images and important female figures in Judaism, Christianity and/or Islam.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
339
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Transformations of Religion in Africa
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Nature of religion through a study of religious transformations in Africa.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
341
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New Religious Movements
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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)
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Religious Studies
343
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Religion and Social Morality
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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)
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Religious Studies
344
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The Bible as Literature
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An exploration of the various literary genres that make up the sixty-six books of the Bible, understood as a compilation of human literature reflecting some 1500 years of communal struggle, vision, and development within the complex geo-politics of the Eastern Mediterranean area. Centuries of intense debate and engaged reception have subsequently interwoven this trove of human expression into the literature, arts, law, politics, philosophy, and cultures of western society.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
345
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God and Transcendence
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Comparative and theoretical discussion of various traditions, Eastern and Western, regarding the object of religious belief and devotion.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
348
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Religion, Empire and Colonialism
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An examination of the complex interplay of religious traditions and imperial projects. The development of religion in response to engagement with other cultures, religions and traditions brought on by colonialism, as well as the religious construction and categorization of these others, will be considered through comparative, historical, literary and/or thematic lenses. Modern responses to colonialism as well as discussions of multiculturalism and immigration may be discussed as they relate to religion.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
349
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Religion and Politics
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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)
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Religious Studies
353
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Islam in the Modern World
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Reform, revivalist and sectarian movements and significant thinkers in Modern Islam.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
357
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Islam
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A survey of the basic religious ideas, texts, figures, and practices in Islam, including their historical development.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
359
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East Asian Religious Traditions
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The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of traditions including Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Buddhism is not considered.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
363
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Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion
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Comparative study of philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
367
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Comparative Studies in Western Religions
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A comparative and critical examination of a specific topic within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Possible topics include: Material Culture, Pilgrimage, and Scriptural Exegesis.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Notes:
May be counted only twice towards the Major Field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
369
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Introduction to Judaism
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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)
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Religious Studies
373
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Topics in Religious Studies
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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
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Religious Studies
377
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Research and Critical Inquiry in Religious Studies
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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)
Notes:
Open only to Religious Studies minors, majors and Honours students and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.
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Religious Studies
381
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Gender, Sex and Religion
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An examination of the complex interrelationship between understandings and constructions of gender, sexuality and Religion as they arise in the context of several religious traditions.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Religious Studies 381 and 373.09 will not be allowed.
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Religious Studies
383
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From Jesus to Christ: 100 BCE-200 CE
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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)
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Religious Studies
385
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Paganism and Christianity: 200-800 CE
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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)
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Religious Studies
387
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Scholastics, Mystics and Reformers: Christianity 800-1600 CE
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An overview of medieval Christianity and of various sixteenth-century Protestant and Catholic Reform movements.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Religious Studies
389
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Modern Christianity: 1600 - Present
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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)
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Religious Studies
397
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Religion and Science
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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)
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Religious Studies
398
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Religion and the Environment
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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)
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Religious Studies
399
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Religion in Popular Culture
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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
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Religious Studies
417
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Recent Religious Thought
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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
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Religious Studies
437
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Hermeneutics and Religion
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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.
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Religious Studies
439
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Advanced Studies in New Religious Movements
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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
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Religious Studies
441
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Millenarian Movements
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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)
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Religious Studies
442
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Religious Studies and Modernity
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Theoretical questions regarding the characterization of modernity and its consequences for religion. This may include nineteenth and twentieth-century philosophical and cultural developments and their religious and anti-religious reactions.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
At least one 300-level Religious Studies course or consent of the Department.
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Religious Studies
447
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Theories of Religion
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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.
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Religious Studies
451
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Advanced Studies in Hinduism
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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 307 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
453
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Advanced Studies in Buddhism
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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
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Religious Studies
461
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Advanced Studies in East Asian Religions
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A seminar course that focuses on selected topics related to the Confucian, Taoist or Shinto tradition. Buddhism is not considered.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 359 or consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
463
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Advanced Topics in Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion
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Advanced comparative study of selected philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any 300-level Religious Studies course.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
469
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Advanced Studies in Judaism
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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
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Religious Studies
477
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Further Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
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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.
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Religious Studies
479
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Contemporary Issues in Women and Religion
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A topical examination of developments in current research in such areas as: gender theory, post-colonialism, 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):
Any 300-level Religious Studies course or consent of the Department.
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Religious Studies
484
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Advanced Studies in Early Christianity
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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
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Religious Studies
486
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Advanced Studies in Modern Christianity
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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
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Religious Studies
491
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Reading Religious Texts in Primary Languages
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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
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Religious Studies
577
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Senior Project Seminar
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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.
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Religious Studies
590
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Honours Thesis
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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.
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Religious Studies
595
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Directed Independent Study
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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(3T-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
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Religious Studies
601
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Studies in Western Religions
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
603
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Studies in Eastern Religions
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
605
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Studies in the Nature of Religion
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
607
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Supervised Master's Thesis Inquiry
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Course Hours:
H(0-3T)
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Religious Studies
609
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Selected Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion
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Selected topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
681
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Specialized Studies in Western Religions
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 683
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Specialized Studies in Eastern Religions
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
685
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Specialized Studies in the Nature of Religion
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
701
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Studies in Western Religions
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
703
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Studies in Eastern Religions
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
705
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Studies in the Nature of Religion
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies
707
|
PhD Departmental Colloquium
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Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Religious Studies
709
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Advanced Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion
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Advanced topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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