RS Course Descriptions

Religious Studies (2009-2010)

An introduction to the religious traditions of the East: history, religious beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto.

A survey of the literature, history, and religious thought of the Old Testament as seen in its cultural setting in the ancient Near East.

A survey of the literature, history, and religious thought of the New Testament as seen in its cultural setting in the Greco-Roman world.

Encounter with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: the characteristics and interaction of the three major religious traditions originating in the Middle East that have shaped the image of the Western World.

Students will be introduced to the Hebrew Bible by way of selected readings which deal with a particular aspect of the human predicament. The focus will be on exploring relationships via narrative passages in the Old Testament and particularly in the Book of Genesis. The following relationships will be discussed: (a) Spousal (b) Human/God (c) Parent/child (d) Siblings (e) Gender issues in narratives of rape, incest, seduction and dominance.

This course will deal with the period of the Prophets, e.g., Joshua, Kings, and Samuel. It will examine the uses and abuses of power analyzing the historical narratives and study the conflict between Saul and David, the political as well as the moral rise and fall of David.

How does an ancient religious tradition remain relevant in the face of shifting cultural morals and beliefs and especially in light of the West's emphasis on relativism and freedom of choice? This course will explore the major themes and challenges that face Judaism and the Jewish people at the start of the 21st century. We will compare the insights of an extremely diverse group of Jewish thinkers on the place of tradition in the modern world, and examine the perpetual quest for meaning at the core of Judaism.

Profiles, biographies, and autobiographies of individuals in search of ultimate meaning. Persons studied are spiritual seekers from all walks of life: traditional religious figures, artists, novelists, scientists, and others.

How do the religions of the world define evil? How do they suggest it can be overcome? Classical and modern writers from Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism will be considered.

An exploration of the spiritual dimension through the medium of art, sacred and secular. Aspects of the quest for meaning in world religions, expressed variously in the visual arts, architecture, music, and the cinema will be considered.

This course will introduce the history, literature, and thought of the Bible. Since Jewish and Christian Bibles differ, it will also explore how various versions came to be, and consider the role the Bible has played in both religious communities.

Biblical Hebrew for beginners. A study of the alphabet, and some of the basic vocabulary and grammar of the language.

A continuation of RS 131/JS 105A. Most of the rules of grammar will be covered in this course and students will begin to read texts in the original language.

An introduction to Greek grammar with appropriate grammatical exercises and development of vocabulary.

The completion of the study of Greek grammar and syntax with appropriate exercises and translation of various texts of the Greek New Testament.

An introduction to Christian ethical theory and practice and their implications for personal and social living. Case studies will investigate sexual morality, business and medical ethics, environmental issues, violence and non-violence, and family life.

An introduction to the significance of Catholic beliefs, values, and practices for our time. Topics include spirituality, ethics, the meaning of the sacraments, prayer, sin and salvation, questions of authority, tradition, and change, and the role of women.

The basics of Christian theology explored systematically and historically: theological language, revelation and truth, God and creation, sin and the fall, Christ and salvation, tradition and church, consummation and the end of history.

An examination of the role that religion and myth play in popular culture, including television, cinema, music, fashion, and sport.

A study of the significance of love and friendship in classical and contemporary religious writers. We will consider questions such as, 'Why are friendship and love important for human living?' and 'Is friendship with God a possibility?'

An examination of the leading religious and philosophical ideas that have shaped the cultures and histories of East Asia: China, Korea, and Japan. Folk, Shamanic, Confucian, Taoist, Shinto, and Buddhist traditions will be examined.

An exploration of the origins and development of Sikhism, the Guru institution, scripture, ritual, and gender from an historical and contemporary perspective. Issues facing Sikhs in Canada and other countries will also be examined.

A study of the development of religious thought in India from the Vedic Period to the present. The course will combine an historical survey with a study of representative texts from the religious, philosophical, social, and political thought of the Hindus.

An introduction to the unifying beliefs and philosophical presuppositions of the Buddhist world-view, and an overview of the diverse forms of Buddhism in South and South-East Asia, Tibet, China, and Japan.

The history of Buddhism's expansion into Tibet, its doctrines and practices, including the institution of the Dalai Lama and the 'Tibetan Book of the Dead', and the practice of Buddhism outside Tibet since 1959.

An examination of religious phenomena in the history of Japan, including their impact on art, literature, philosophy, and politics. Buddhism, Shinto, Confucianism, folk beliefs, new religious movements, and other traditions will be explored.

An examination of religious phenomena in the history of China, including their influence on art, literature, philosophy, and politics. Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, folk beliefs, new religious movements, and other traditions will be explored.

An introduction to the religious tradition of the Jews, in terms of beliefs, practices, ideals, and institutions from the beginning to the present time.

The catastrophe and devastation of the Holocaust and the radical nature of its evil demanded responses within contemporary Jewish thought, identity, and experience. This course will explore philosophical, theological (Jewish law, rabbinic), literary (novels, poetry, memoirs, plays), and artistic (museums, memorials) attempts to deal with the issues the Holocaust raises.

This course will trace the development of biblical exegesis in the Jewish tradition. Interpretive methods and approaches to problems in the text such as redundancy, contradiction, and gaps will be surveyed, commencing with the Bible itself, through the classical period of the Talmud and concentrating on major medieval commentators. (The biblical episode of the 'Binding of Isaac' will be used as a paradigm to illustrate various approaches to the text.)

This course will survey the roots, history, and symbolism of the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah. Students will be introduced to the major texts, charismatic mystical masters, and schools of Kabbalah, beginning with the ancient Rabbis through to contemporary exponents such as Hasidim and messianic groups. Particular attention will be focused on the Zohar (Book of Splendour) and popular appeals to the mystical tradition.

The course will explore the thought of various Jewish scholars throughout history on issues that were vital to their faith. The texts studied will be representative of the philosophical and rabbinic traditions on such matters as the nature of God, the problem of evil, creation, miracles, prophecy, and providence.

One or more special courses will be offered at different times. Consult Jewish Studies for current offerings.

An introduction to the Islamic faith and practice, with a review of the development, achievements, and impact of the Muslim community from Muhammad the Prophet to the present day.

The course examines religion in the American context regarding issues like secularization, the nature and the influence of sects (e.g., Mormonism, Pentecostalism), Protestant revivalism and televangelism, and the impact of non-Christian traditions (e.g., Buddhism, Islam).

How have religions influenced and been influenced by politics? How do the world's major religions understand political institutions and theories? Important writers from the world religions will be placed in dialogue with classical and modern thinkers.

This course examines the varieties of religious fundamentalism around the world and how religious fundamentalism emerges and can become a motivating factor in ethno-nationalism, inter-religious conflict, and international affairs.

From Mecca to Benares, Stonehenge to Chartres ¿ a consideration of sacred cities, shrines, rivers, mountains, worship centres, and other places which have inspired the spiritual imagination of individuals and communities within various religious traditions.

An exploration of the role of scripture/sacred texts in religious traditions and a study of representative texts and interpretations. This course will include an examination of the oral, meditative, and artistic use of scripture/sacred texts and sacred words.

This course examines the ways people of various cultures and religions have thought about death as reflected in their myths, teachings, and science and how they have acted through ritual in the face of death.

A study of the biblical prophets with special attention to their religious experience, social critique, visions of the future, and the writings that bear their names.

Readings in the New Testament, in the Septuagint, Papyri and the Apostolic Fathers. Advanced grammar and syntax arising from the readings.

An intermediate reading course in Koine Greek. The objective is to read Koine texts rapidly and with a minimum of lexical aids. The focus is on biblical (Septuagint) and extra-biblical texts of the Hellenistic and Patristic periods, such as the Apostolic Fathers, Josephus, and Hellenistic philosophy.

The life, teachings, and significance of Jesus of Nazareth as experienced and interpreted by his followers, and as recorded by the writers of the New Testament. Attention is given to traditions of virgin birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and divinity, and to Jesus' contemporary importance.

The career and thought of a pioneer of Christian religion as seen in his writings, with attention to issues such as spirit, grace and law, freedom and slavery, Christ and church, women and men.

This course explores the tension between inclusion and exclusion in the Bible, examining the rationale for and implications of issues such as purity, holy war, the chosen people, and the Gentiles.

The development of Christianity in its Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions from the time of Christ to the present.

An examination of the role played by the Church in the social, political, and economic life of Canada from 1867 to the present.

An examination of the Anglican tradition from its beginnings to the present. This course will examine the ecclesial, liturgical, theological, and ethical dimensions of the tradition with special attention to its Canadian forms.

An analysis of the major theological developments in the Christian traditions from the apostolic era to the present.

This course will explore the origins, development, and contemporary challenges to Catholic social thought. The main focus will be on the critical and global influences of the past 100 years.

An examination of the Christian responses to regimes of political oppression in the 20th century. Topics include the Nazi Holocaust, Latin American liberation theologies, and Apartheid.

A multi-disciplinary examination of the evolution of the relationship between women and the church in the Christian tradition.

Historical and contemporary Christian approaches to ethical questions about human sexuality and relationships. Topics include marriage, celibacy, single life, homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, gender roles, abortion, reproductive technologies, and sexuality and spirituality.

A multi-disciplinary study of the Christian gospel as a means to liberation in Canadian society; its roles in the theory and practice of liberation theologies; and the role of contemplation and action in political and spiritual life.

Current Christian approaches to peacemaking in areas of conflict: war and militarism, crime, poverty, racism, and gender relations. Attention will be given to various biblical, theological, and historical bases for these approaches.

Specific topics include sin, deification, divinity, human transformation, church structure, and the nature of community.

The divine as understood throughout the ages by the major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and new age spiritualities. This course also examines modern rejections of the reality of God.

An exploration of the nature of religion through: 1) the history of the study of religion, 2) exposure to varying methods and ways of approaching religious phenomena, and 3) consideration of accounts of religious experience.

A critical discussion of basic religious concepts. Among the topics covered will be faith, miracles, religious experience, immortality, and arguments for the existence of God.

An examination of the nature of religious experience, the elements of religious group life, the ways in which religions are a source of social stability and peace as well as of social change and conflict.

This course examines theories about the psychological nature of religious experience, the source of religious belief, and the religious significance of psychological phenomena. Attention will be given to the role of introspective, psychoanalytic, experimental, humanistic, and transpersonal methods in the psychology of religion.

This course studies the various "developmental tasks" of the human life cycle in order to discover what psychological and religious needs should be satisfied at each stage of a person's life. The course also seeks to develop students' awareness in order to sensitize them to the processes of their own growth and development.

This course examines how religion has been a central concern and inspiration for filmmakers and how popular films have informed and shaped our understanding of religion.

Each semester, this course focuses on a specific genre or theme to explore the complex relationship between cinema and religion. Topics include science fiction and horror, comedy, Jesus in film, Hong Kong Cinema, and Bollywood.

An examination of the Holocaust as portrayed in feature films and documentaries. Do cinematic attempts capture the horror of the Holocaust faithfully, or trivialize it? The background to anti-semitism, use of religious imagery in propaganda films, and what counts as "success" or "failure" in cinematic representations are discussed.

An examination of the coverage of religion in print journalism, news broadcasting, and radio and television documentaries. Topics include secular versus confessional coverage, the politics of religious reportage, televangelism, cults, and current ethical issues.

Using the available historical record as a reference point, this course will examine the many diverse and often contradictory interpretations of the life of Joan of Arc: religious, literary, philosophical, and ethical.

This course examines various cults and new religious movements (e.g., Scientology, Krishna Consciousness, Neo-paganism) and places them within the context of our sociological knowledge of their emergence, who joins and why, and other issues.

An examination of the nature and causes of episodes of mass violence inspired by apocalyptic beliefs. The course will use historical and contemporary case studies and theoretical discussions of the social and psychological factors precipitating violence.

A social scientific and historical examination of Christian fundamentalism in Canada and the United States. Topics include right-wing politics and religion, ideology, culture and identity, sexual morality, gender, and race.

An examination of specific current individual and social problems such as human sexuality, social justice, urban decay, and human rights, in the light of Christian moral consciousness.

Through a review of the teachings of the great religious traditions about women, this course aims to arrive at a global view of the situation of women 'in the world of religion'. On the basis of the evidence gathered, it will attempt an estimation of the role of religion as an intimate and important influence on human development.

An examination of the past and present effects of Christianity and other world religions on human treatment of the natural world. Historical background, recent debates, and contemporary approaches to the ethical issues will be investigated.

Exploring changes in spirituality in modern society. Topics include the impact of eastern religions, new cults and sects, healing, psychology, ecological spirituality, women and spirituality, and the spiritual practices of aboriginal peoples on traditional concepts of spirituality.

Consult Department for current offerings.

An examination of Pure Land Buddhism, including its origins, development and influence in India, China, Korea, Japan, and the West.

This course offers an in-depth study and analysis of women as well as the Divine Feminine in the religions of India, which include Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, tribal religion, and the Baha'i tradition.

This course focuses on how the major Asian religious traditions construct gender and legitimize certain gender roles. Traditions covered include Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, and Shinto.

An historical examination of the development of Zen in China and Japan and its influence on the development of Buddhism in the West.

This course examines the life and thought of Moses Maimonides, the most important thinker in Jewish history. It explores his contributions to philosophy, law, biblical interpretation and his attempt to reconcile religion and science.

A survey of the history of the Muslim-Christian relations from the time of the emergence of Islam to the present, with a special emphasis on the characteristic polemic literature which each community produced against the other.

An examination of the religious beliefs and cult practices of the classical world. Topics include prayer and sacrifice; divination and oracles; temples, priests and festivals; mystery cults and their relation to Christianity.

An examination of the ritual and oral traditions of a specific pre-modern group of native peoples to discern their attempts to integrate themselves and their environment.

Religion in Canada past and present. Topics include Canada's Christian origins, religion and nationalism in English and French Canada, secularization, religious tolerance and multiculturalism, Christian antisemitism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Sikh communities, and new religious movements.

The immigration of Asian peoples to Canada has brought varied religious traditions. This course will examine the development of these religions in Canada, their transformation within the Canadian context, and their adoption outside of the Asian cultural and religious milieu.

An examination of the interplay between cultural and historical contexts and beliefs about the religious potential of Buddhist women, and their consequences for women's religious practice historically and currently in India, China, Japan and the West.

A study of the encounter and dialogue of men and women of different faiths, emphasizing movements, figures and ideas central to the contemporary scene. Both bilateral, for example Christian-Buddhist, and multilateral developments will be explored.

An examination of the role of religious ethics, as understood by the major world religions, in international affairs. Selected cases of recent international conflict, international terrorism, and humanitarian intervention will be covered.

This course examines how the world religions understand family relations in various social, cultural, and political contexts.

This course examines deeply rooted attitudes in the major world religions toward sexual identity, practices, and gender. Examining sacred scriptures and codes of conduct from the world religions, as well as fictional writings and films, this course enables students to explore various social and religious traditions.

This course examines the scope and character of contemporary Christianity around the globe, especially its diversity of expression and varied interactions with culture.

This course examines the history and development of Buddhism in North America. Topics such as immigrant and adoptive forms of Buddhism, the adaptation of traditional Buddhism to North American culture, and its development as a Western religion will be examined.

Consult Department for current offerings.

Reading and grammatical analysis of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible.

Reading and analysis of Iron Age inscriptions and ostraca in Hebrew or closely related Canaanite dialects, including the Siloam and Mesha inscriptions and the Lachish letters, plus a selection from the Dead Sea Scrolls.

A study of both distinctive and shared ways authors of the New Testament view Jesus, law, ministry, authority, worship, and Jewish and Gentile traditions.

An examination of various feminist approaches to the biblical text including consideration of the impact of sexism and patriarchal structures on a biblical text as well as various models feminist scholars have employed in biblical interpretation.

An examination of diverse biblical views of peace in relation to war, justice, and salvation with attention to their relevance for the contemporary quest for peace.

This course explores the theme of wisdom in the Bible and related literature in the period from ancient Israel to the first century CE. It examines the varied cultural influences on biblical wisdom traditions.

This course examines the Bible in relation to the archaeology and material culture of the Ancient Near East. It will explore how archaeological discoveries contribute to our understanding of the events, personalities and narratives of the Hebrew Bible.

An exploration of the impact of social crises on late medieval religious modes of expression. Topics will include the Great Famine, the Black Death, the Avignon Papacy and Western Schism, the development of heretical movements, and the eventual disintegration of European religious unity.

A study of the major 16th-century reformers and their intellectual background in humanism and late medieval scholasticism. Special attention will be given to the Lutheran and Reformed traditions and their ideological, social, and political expressions.

A study of 16th century Anabaptism -- a religious Reformation movement dissenting from both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism -- its origins, its social, political, and theological content; and its relationship to such independent dissenters as Sebastian Franck.

An analysis of the context and rich documentary tradition of the second Vatican Council, the course will explore, in particular, the global dynamics of these teachings.

A biographical and thematic approach to the study of the major nineteenth-century thinkers who shaped modern theology. Among theologians and issues to be considered are Schleiermacher and liberalism, Kierkegaard and existentialism, Troeltsch and historicism.

Major theological movements of the 20th century and at the turn of the millennium represented by thinkers like Barth, Bonhoeffer, Grant, Gutierrez, Hauerwas, Kung, McFague, Moltmann, Niebuhr, Pannenberg, Rahner, Ruether, Ramm, Tillich, and Yoder.

A survey of contemporary Mennonite theological debate. The course will focus on some of the central themes of the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition: adult baptism, separation from the world, biblical authority, peace and nonresistance, discipleship as a way of life.

Christian teachings on war and peace from the early church to the present, including crusade, just war, and pacifist traditions, focusing especially on the 20th century discussion around realism, just revolution, nuclear pacifism, and non-violent resistance.

An examination of some influential Christian thinkers who have played a critical role in Roman Catholic theology such as Augustine, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Aquinas, Newman, Rahner, Ruether, Schussler Fiorenza, Lonergan.

Christian feminist thought challenges traditional Christian teaching at every level. This course will explore in particular the challenges to traditional disciplines of theology and spirituality.

The origins of the Christian hymn and its development up to the present. The course considers the hymn as theological, poetic, musical, cultural, and spiritual expression, and the use of hymns in a variety of worship settings.

The nature of worship and the role of music within worship in historical, theological, and cultural perspective. Field trips to services of various traditions.

Anthropological approaches to magic, witchcraft, ritual, cosmology, and other aspects of the system of behaviour and belief known as religion.

Jung's analysis of the development of the personality through its life cycle, and of the central place which religion holds within the process of maturation. This includes a study of the unconscious, the collective unconscious, dreams, myths, symbols and archetypes; and the implications of Jung's theories for religious thought and therapy.

In the Christian East, icons are seen as theology in colour. They are known as "windows to heaven". Icons both reflect and help form Christian teaching. This course investigates the development of iconography, how icons are understood within the tradition, and how other approaches to the aesthetic can inform a contemporary understanding of iconography.

This course investigates the roles of religion and spirituality in peacemaking, exploring both obstacles and opportunities facing religious peace-builders. Cases involving representatives of major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism) will provide a basis for comparing practices of faith-based advocacy for social justice, reconciliation, and coexistence.

An examination of religious perspectives on the environmental crisis, including an analysis of what the various religious traditions have taught about caring for the created universe. Special attention will be given to the views of the native peoples of Canada on responsibility for the creation, and to religious resources for developing an ethical stance on environmental issues and a respect for nature.

This course will study issues such as sexual ethics, eugenics, euthanasia, suicide, genetic screening, organ transplants, organ and embryo banking, as they stand in relation to traditional religious values.

An examination of communities, movements, and theologies which express a Christian hope for justice, peace, and development in the encounter with injustice, oppression, and poverty.

The course examines the place of dreams in religious experience from ancient to modern times. Present day advances in understanding dream symbols will be explored, as well as the possibility of incorporating the use of dreams in one's personal religious growth and development.

The following existential issues related to the aging process are examined from the perspective of the psychology of religion: identity, belief, actualization, existential anxiety, conversion, individuation, and spirituality.

The course examines the spiritual dimension of the search for meaning, especially at crucial points in life, via the work of Viktor Frankl and the spiritual, philosophic, and psychotherapeutic dynamics he introduced.

See Department for current offerings.

Consult Department for current offerings.

Readings in selected topics chosen in discussion with instructor.

The course examines key substantive, theoretical, and methodological issues of the sociology of religion through the detailed study of important classical and contemporary works in the field.

This course studies the interactions between religion, science, and technology as well as their implications for knowledge, values, authority, and ethics.

A course of study and research designed to provide the student with guidance and supervision towards completing an Honours research assignment.

A course of study and research designed to provide the student with guidance and supervision towards completing an Honours research assignment.

Consult the Department for Special Topics.

Consult the department for current offerings.

Readings in selected topics chosen in discussion with instructor.

This seminar examines contemporary methods and theories in the study of religion and how they may be used to address specific themes in religious studies.