Introduces religion in India, China and Japan; also the movements of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Humanism.
NOTE Also offered online. Consult Arts and Science Online. Learning Hours may vary.
LEARNING HOURS 228 (48L;24T;156P)

This course will explore how religion is portrayed in film, noting particularly the depiction of religious belief, practices, practitioners, and institutions, and the use of religious symbols and metaphors.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (12L24G;90P).

This course examines the categories of both science and religion and attempts to explore the possible relationships between them. Case studies involve: medicine and health, relationships with other animals, concepts of human nature, super/natural ontologies, and science-and-technology-based religions.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;12T;84P).

Explores religious issues in culture, literature, politics and social ethics.
LEARNING HOURS 228 (48L;24T;156P).

This course will identify and describe characteristics of religion as they appear in news reports of social, political, and economic aspects of public life and analyze how the news presents, shapes, and creates perceptions of religion in public discourse.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;12T;84P).

This course will identify and describe characteristics of religion as they appear in popular culture (e.g. fashion; comics; movies; art; music; novels; sitcoms; dramas; video games) and analyze how such depictions present, shape, and create perceptions of religion in public discourse.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;12T;84P).

This course will examine the vital role that different religious ideas and groups play in major development organizations and initiatives. Students will look at how religious ideas and groups have influenced issues around global poverty, pandemics, child welfare, economics and debt relief, education, etc.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;9G;75P).

A topic of current interest in Religious Studies not covered in other available courses.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

A topic of current interest in Religious Studies not covered in other available courses.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

This course examines the life and work of Jewish radical thinkers: analysts, anarchists, communists, feminists, environmentalists, and anti-nationalists. We will be interested both in the ways they created difficulties for dominant cultural and political institutions, and traditional Jewish authorities.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (12L;12T;12O;90P).

Introduction in the light of the political, cultural, and religious history of ancient Israel and Judah.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Similarities and differences in the myths of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia will be explored on the basis of material remains (e.g., the pyramids and temple architecture) and texts.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

As religious literature expressing the witness to Jesus; and as source for the history, trends and problems of early Christianity.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Introduction to Christianity as a religious tradition through its texts, its history and its contemporary forms.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

All religions were once new, small, and unusual to the cultures around them - often therefore attracting suspicion. This course examines the practices, beliefs, and histories of several NRMs, and why some gain legitimacy while others get derided as "cults." Doing so illuminates broader processes like mythmaking, Othering, and (de)secularization.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (24L;12G;6O;84P).

Developments through 3,000 years of Indian history; the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga and Vedanta, mythology of Vishnu and Shiva, and recent Hindu thinkers (e.g., Tagore, Aurobindo).
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Buddhism in India, the life and teaching of Gautama the Buddha, and the growth of the Theravadin and Mahayanist traditions.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

The philosophy, worldview, spirituality and ethics of Taoism, China's organized indigenous religion, in Chinese history and in the contemporary world.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Historical and topical survey of Islam, its development through the study of its rise, institutionalization of its beliefs and practices, formation of its theology, law, mysticism; as well as its modern interpretations and practices.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Introduction to the study of Indigenous traditions in North America.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

The religious institutions produced by the Jews from the second to the seventh centuries. This course will explore in critical fashion the principal areas of rabbinic activity including: topics on jurisprudence, philosophy, social and political thinking, the role of tradition and scriptures.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

The philosophy, worldview, spirituality and ethics of Confucianism in its classical, modern and contemporary forms.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

This course will examine the field of social movements studies, with a particular focus on how religion has played a role in the rise of social movements, how religious communities have been influenced by social movements, and how mobilization and activism around social justice issues is coloured by religion and culture.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;9G;75P).

An introduction to the self-definition of Judaism through an analysis of the concepts of God, Torah and Israel past and present. Also, a preliminary study of the struggles facing Jews in Europe, the State of Israel and North America.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Examines how religious traditions shape human values and behaviours towards the environment and how environmental problems are shaping the evolution of religious and spiritual traditions.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Views of and attitudes toward sexuality in selected world religions; the place of sexuality in religious traditions; relationship between sex and the sacred; specific topics such as marriage, gay and lesbian issues, contraception will be chosen.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (36L;12G;6O;72P).

This course will provide an overview of the relatively new and expanding body of research that examines the relationship between sport, spirituality and religion. Topics including play, games, flow, ritual, prayer, sports stars as role models, doping, fandom and miracles in sport will be explored.
LEARNING HOURS 129 (36L;93P).

Studies the differences between the categories of religion, magic, witchcraft, the supernatural, etc., as constructed in scholarship, popular culture, and practice. Focuses on examples such as New Religious Movements, depictions of magic in film and TV, and moral panics over alleged occult practices, and the histories that let us make sense of them.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (24L;6G;12O;78P).

Their place in religious consciousness with a variety of examples.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

The academic study of mysticism; mystical movements; and mystics.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

An investigation into the techniques of critical reading and writing for research in Religious Studies.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36S;84P).

Moral problems and religious responses: e.g., sexual morality; violence; civil disobedience.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

This course examines the historical and contemporary expressions of Islam in Canada. Starting from early Muslim migrants to Canada to current issues of media representations, Islamophobia, and gender and sexuality, as they are unfolding in Canadian contexts for Muslims.
LEARNING HOURS 138 (18L;18S;12G;90P).

A topic of current interest in Religious Studies not covered in other available courses.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

A topic of current interest in Religious Studies not covered in other available courses.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Issues raised by the feminist critique of traditional Christian theology and feminist attempts at theological reconstruction.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

A study of the development and organization of non-civic religious associations in the Greek and Roman empires using inscriptions, papyri, and literary texts. Insight into religious practices of the Greco-Roman period comes through exploration of groups organized by deity, cult, occupation, or ethnic identity, and the so-called mystery religions.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

Surveys the history and philosophy of yoga in India and the West.
NOTE Yoga practicum: estimated cost $85.
LEARNING HOURS 128 (36L;8Oc;84P).

Explores the role of religion in the politics of Muslim societies with particular attention to the modern period.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

The primary focus of the course will be the theological perspectives and social functions of apocalyptic in select religious traditions. The course will also survey the appropriation of apocalyptic themes throughout history in artistic forms such as art, fiction, and film, with particular attention to our modern times and cultures.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

Links between violence and religious beliefs, practices and institutions; for example, sacrifice, holy wars, scapegoating, and suicide.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

The course will explore the intersection of race, ethnicity, and religion, alongside gender, sexuality, culture and more. It will challenge students to think about how racial identities, theories, and movements implicate(d) the way religious communities construct their own systems and worldviews.
LEARNING HOURS 128 (18L;18S;12G;80P).

A study of the tensions that come into play as Jews formulated views of the Other to balance co-existence with them. Source materials include authoritative writings of Jewish commentary and law and social scientific views of them.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

Deals with the role of religion in the public sphere and its relation to liberal democracy. It examines the (in)compatibility of some tenets of certain religions with modern democratic principles.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

A study of concepts intended to summarize positions which are necessarily defined in reference to religion but considered to be other than religious. We explore the origins and presents of perspectives and experiences including the secular, spiritual-but-not-religious, atheistic, and other forms of imitation, indifference, and hostility to religion.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (24L;6G;12O;84P).

An examination of discursive, historiographical, and affective aspects of a variety of historical and contemporary artistic expressions (e.g., painting, sculpture, video) through the lens of Religious Studies.
NOTE Field trip: estimated cost $38.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (12L;24G;90P).

An introduction to major theoretical approaches to the study of religion.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

The aim of this course is to provide an overview of some ethical issues that arise at the intersection of biomedicine and religion. These ethical issues include moral distress, consent, beginning of life issues, indigeneity and healing, medically assisted death, gene editing, and anti-aging interventions.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (18L18S;84P).

Students will develop background knowledge and analytic skills necessary to identify and negotiate religious commitments in business relationships and resolve ethical issues around the role of religion in business contexts. We will analyze case studies to explore various ways in which business practitioners can and do address questions arising in everyday interactions in the business world.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

Religious fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon not exclusive to any religion. In the past few decades, religious fundamentalist movements have been shaping new social, cultural and political norms in a predominately secular age. The course explores theoretical aspects and examines specific case studies across various religions and cultures.
LEARNING HOURS 126 (36L;20O;70P).

Encounter between Buddhism and the West, major movements and thinkers, and socio-politically engaged Buddhism.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Examines Chinese and foreign religions in mainland China from 1949 to the present day. Topics include the status of established religions, the political control of new religious movements and the resurgence of traditional Chinese religions and ideologies including Daoism and Confucianism.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

Exploration of Islamic developments since the 19th century: major thinkers, trends of thought, and contemporary movements as responses to modernity.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

The development of modern Jewish thought and practice, including the Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements. The consequences of the Holocaust and the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
LEARNING HOURS 132 (36L;96P).

Advanced seminar providing detailed reading of one contemporary theme or thinker in religious studies.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (6L;30S;12O;72P).

Religion in modernity; traditional groups, newer religious movements, contemporary ideologies and social trends of religious significance.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (36L;84P).

Reading courses on topics not covered in other available courses, arranged with individual members of the Department.
LEARNING HOURS 120 (12I;108P).

Reading courses on topics not covered in other available courses, arranged with individual members of the Department.
NOTE RELS 502/3.0 may be taken independently or as a continuation of RELS 501/3.0.

Monthly seminar series for building graduate students¿ professional academic and alt-academic skills through workshops, Q&As, and presentations about topics including: publishing, conferencing, funding, applying for further graduate study or employment, etc. Topics will be timed to the appropriate point in the cycle of each academic year (i.e. sessions on SSHRC and OGS will occur early in Fall semester). This is a mandatory course. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

Examines the nature of religious transition in response to various pressures for religious change. Three term-hours; fall; E. Goldberg, F. Jahanbakhsh, P. Dickey Young.

Looks at recent articulations and applications of theories and methods in Religious Studies. Three term-hours; winter; E. Goldberg

Advanced seminar providing detailed reading in one contemporary theme or thinker in Religious Studies. Not offered 2010-2011.

Advanced seminar providing detailed reading in one contemporary theme or thinker in Religious Studies. Not offered 2010-2011.

Advanced seminar providing detailed reading of one contemporary theme or thinker in Religious Studies. Three term-hours, fall; P. Dickey Young.

Advanced seminar providing detailed reading of one contemporary theme or thinker in Religious Studies. Not offered 2010-2011.

Exemplary work in recent and contemporary Christian theology.  Not offered 2010-2011.

This course provides an introduction to the methods and premises used in the modern quest to understand the historical facts of Jesus life. Particular attention will be given to understanding the historical Jesus in his first-century socio-cultural context. Offered jointly with RELS-311*. Not offered 2010-2011.

Issues raised by the feminist critique of traditional Christian theology and feminist attempts at theological reconstruction. Three term-hours; winter; P. Dickey Young.

A study of the development and organization of non-civic religious associations in the Greek and Roman empires using inscriptions, papyri, and literary texts. Insight into religious practices of the Greco-Roman period comes through exploration of groups organized by deity, cult, occupation, or ethnic identity, and the so-called mystery religions.

Surveys the history and philosophy of yoga in India and the West. Three term-hours; fall; E. Goldberg

Explores the role of religion in the politics of Muslim societies with particular attention to the modern period.

Introduction to the study of Indigenous traditions in North America.

The primary focus of the course will be the theological perspectives and social functions of apocalyptic in select religious traditions. The course will also survey the appropriation of apocalyptic themes throughout history in artistic forms such as art, fiction, and film, with particular attention to our modern times and cultures. Offered jointly with RELS-328*. Not offered 2010-2011.

Links between violence and religious beliefs, practices, and institutions; for example, sacrifice, holy wars, scapegoating, and suicide.   Not offered 2010-2011.

A study of the tensions that come into play as Jews formulated views of the Other to balance co-existence with them. Source materials include authoritative writings of Jewish commentary and law and social scientific views of them. Three term-hours; winter; H. Basser

Deals with the role of religion in the public sphere and its relation to liberal democracy. It examines the (in)compatibility of some tenets of certain religions with modern democratic principles. Not offered 2010-2011.

A study of concepts intended to summarize positions which are necessarily defined in reference to religion but considered to be other than religious. We explore the origins and presence of perspectives and experiences including the secular, spiritual -but-not-religious, atheistic, and other forms of imitation, indifference, and hostility to religion.

Religion in modernity; traditional groups, newer religious movements, contemporary ideologies and social trends of religious significance. Offered jointly with RELS-452*. Three term-hours; fall; P. Dickey-Young.

An introduction to major theoretical approaches to the study of religion. Offered jointly with RELS-354*.

Examination of feminist theory and its application to the study of religion.  Not offered 2010-2011.

Religious fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon not exclusive to any religion. In the past few decades, religious fundamentalist movements have been shaping new social, cultural and political norms in a predominately secular age. The course explores theoretical aspects and examines specific case studies across various religions and cultures. Offered jointly with RELS-385 with additional work required for graduate students.
EXCLUSION-RELS-385

Examines the connections between religion and the rise of technology in the modern period.

An interdisciplinary study of the religions and mythical traditions of Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. Topics will vary according to instructor. The course will have special regard for, but not be limited to, the Levant, and the Greek and Roman world.

The course will engage in the theory and method of ethnography as it has been used in the study of religion. It will engage with various examples of ethnographic case studies, particularly as they interrogate questions of insider/outsider positionalities while exploring ways in which gender, sexuality and race, trauma and safety have been negotiated in various field work projects by religious studies scholars.

Encounter between Buddhism and the West, major movements and thinkers, and socio-politically engaged Buddhism.  Not offered 2010-2011.

Examines Chinese and foreign religions in mainland China from 1949 to the present day.  Topics include the status of established religions, the political control of new religious movements and the resurgence of traditional Chinese religion and ideologies including Daoism and Confucianism.  Not offered 2010-2011.

Exploration of Islamic developments since the 19th century: major thinkers, trends of thought, and contemporary movements as responses to modernity. Not offered 2010-2011.

The development of modern Jewish religious thought and practice, including the Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist  movements.  The consequences of the Holocaust and the establishment of the modern state of Israel. Not offered 2010-2011.

A research essay. The Master's Essay must demonstrate appropriate competence in the application of theoretical and methodological approaches to a suitable research topic in the study of religion. The Master's Essay will not be subject to an oral defence but will normally be read by one member of the department in addition to the essay supervisor.