(Ext. 2396)
Crowley, Edward J.; B.A. (St. Joseph's, New Brunswick), S.T.L. (Catholic U. of America), S.S.L. (Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome)—1957.
King, J. Norman; B.A., M.A. (Toronto), S.T.B. (Laval), Ph.D. (U. of St. Michael's College, Toronto)—1964. (Head of the Department)
Mehta, Mahesh; B.A., M.A., LL.B., Ph.D. (Bombay)—1969.
Amore, Roy C.; B.A. (Ohio), B.D. (Drew), Ph.D. (Columbia)—1970.
Whitney, Barry L.; B.A. (Carleton), Ph.D. (McMaster)—1976.
Crowell, George H.; B.A. (Princeton), B.D., Th.D. (Union Theol. Sem.)—1968.
Lage, Dietmar; B.A. (Manitoba), M.A., Ph.D. (McGill)—1983.
Milne, Pamela J.; B.A., M.A. (Windsor), Ph.D. (McGill)—1984.
Muldoon, Maureen H.; B.A. (Queen's), M.A., Ph.D. (U. of St. Michael's College, Toronto)—1986.
Sly, Dorothy I.; B.A., B.Paed., M.A. (Manitoba), Ph.D. (McMaster)—1989.
Anderson, Jill; B.A., M.A. (Windsor), Ph.D. (Toronto)—1989.
Advanced Standing Examinations: Upon acceptance to the University, a student may petition the Head of the Department for permission to write advanced standing examinations in Religious Studies courses.
The 100-Series— 35-100, 35-102, 35-103, 35-104, 35-105, 35-106.
Group I—Sacred Texts and Traditions: 35-230, 35-250, 35-251, 35-252, 35-253, 35-254, 35-256, 35-257, 35-258, 35-260, 35-261, 35-262, 35-263, 35-265, 35-266, 35-267, 35-268, 35-330, 35-350, 35-355, 35-400.
Group II—Ethics: 35-200, 35-201, 35-202, 35-203, 35-204, 35-205, 35-206, 35-207, 35-208, 35-212, 35-213, 35-215, 35-301, 35-302, 35-303, 35-304, 35-410.
Group III—Contemporary Religious Thought: 35-220, 35-221, 35-222, 35-223, 35-224, 35-225, 35-226, 35-227, 35-228, 35-231, 35-232, 35-233, 35-234, 35-322, 35-323, 35-325, 35-326, 35-327, 35-360, 35-361, 35-362, 35-420.
Women and Religion Courses: 35-106, 35-208, 35-215, 35-225, 35-236, 35-237, 35-257, 35-258.
Language Courses: 35-120, 35-121, 35-122, 35-123, 35-124, 35-125, 35-270, 35-271. As available, these courses may be taken for credit either as language options or as Religious Studies courses. They do not fulfil the departmental group requirements.
Directed Readings Course: 35-450.
In addition to a major in some other field of study, students may qualify for a minor in Religious Studies by taking a minimum of six courses in Religious Studies, including no more than two at the 100 level. At least one course must be taken from each of the three departmental groups.
This certificate is primarily intended for those involved in teaching and parish ministries.
Total courses: twelve.
Required: two courses from each of the three departmental groups, including 35-260.
The following are recommended:
(a)Teaching: 35-200, 35-201, 35-203, 35-204, 35-207, 35-215, 35-220, 35-222, 35-223, 35-224, 35-225, 35-231, 35-232, 35-233, 35-234, 35-250, 35-251, 35-261, 35-301, and 35-325;
(b)Parish Ministries: 35-103, 35-105, 35-200, 35-201, 35-204, 35-207, 35-215, 35-220, 35-222, 35-223, 35-224, 35-225, 35-226, 35-234, 35-250, 35-251, 35-301, 35-323, and 35-325.
Programs must be arranged in consultation with a departmental advisor. Flexibility in certificate requirements is possible.
To be eligible for the Certificate, a student must obtain a cumulative average of 5.0 or better.
Total Courses: twelve.
Required: 35-215, 35-234, 35-260, and 35-323; plus two of 35-203, 35-204, and 35-207.
The following are recommended:
(a)Social Work and Counselling Professions: 35-103, 35-105, 35-200, 35-201, 35-223, 35-225, 35-226, 35-257, 35-258, 35-261, 35-303, 35-304;
(b)Health Care Professions: 35-103, 35-212, 35-213, 35-223, 35-232, 35-257, 35-258, 35-261, 35-301, 35-302, 35-303, 35-304.
Programs must be arranged in consultation with a departmental advisor. Flexibility in certificate requirements is possible.
To be eligible for the Certificate, a student must obtain a cumulative average of 5.0 or better.
Six of the twelve Certificate courses may be applied to the Bachelor of Arts Degree. Certificate courses may be used as upgrading to prepare for admission to the Master of Arts program in Religious Studies.
Total courses: thirty.
Major requirements: ten courses, including 35-100, 35-200, 35-201, and 35-260; plus at least one of 35-250, 35-251, or 35-261; and at least two of 35-220, 35-221, and 35-231. At least eight courses must be above the 100 level, and at least one must be at the 300 level.
Other requirements:
(a) six options as in 3.3.2 for non-language majors;
(b) eight other courses from the Faculties of Arts, Social Science, or Science, excluding Religious Studies;
(c) six more courses from any department, school, or faculty, including Religious Studies.
Total courses: forty.
Major requirements: twenty courses, including 35-100, 35-200, 35-201, 35-220, 35-221, 35-231, 35-250, 35-251, 35-260, and 35-261. At least eighteen courses must be above the 100 level. At least six courses must be taken from one of the three departmental groups, including a 300-level course and a 400-level course; at least another four must be taken from a second group; one other 400-level course from any group also is required.
Other requirements:
(a)six options as in 3.3.3 for non-language majors;
(b) four other courses from the Faculties of Arts, Social Science, or Science, including Religious Studies;
(c) four more courses from the Faculties of Arts, Social Science, or Science, excluding Religious Studies;
(d) six other courses from any department, school, or faculty, excluding Religious Studies.
Total courses: forty.
Major requirements—Religious Studies: sixteen courses, including 35-100, 35-200, 35-201, 35-220, 35-221, 35-231, 35-250, 35-251, 35-260, and 35-261. At least fourteen courses must be above the 100 level. At least six courses must be taken from one of the three departmental groups, including a 300-level course and a 400-level course; at least another four must be taken from a second group; one other 400-level course from any group also is required.
Major requirements—Other Subject: as prescribed by that department or school.
Other requirements: six options as in 3.3.3 for non-language majors; and additional options (if required) to a total of forty courses.
All courses listed are three hours a week unless otherwise indicated.
All courses listed will not necessarily be offered each term. In addition to the course descriptions in this Calendar, the Department of Religious Studies provides more detailed information on the courses actually to be offered in each academic year. Students are advised that 300-level courses normally presuppose some background in Religious Studies.
An exploration of religion through examination of traditional and contemporary forms of personal and social transformation, with attention to various academic approaches to religious studies.
Explores religion by examining recurring motifs in human spirituality, such as sacrifice, initiation, exorcism, prayer, myth, taboo, meditation, and asceticism.
An examination of key stages and experiences of human life: birth, growth, maturity, work, play, friendship, old age, death, joy, anxiety, and hope. A consideration of the questions they raise, their depth, dimension, and meaning, and their relationship to basic Christian beliefs and practices.
An examination of some fundamental questions and problems faced by the individual in contemporary, pluralistic society. Issues include the existence of God, the crisis in human values and meaning, the problem of morality, and the challenge of suffering.
An exploration of the nature of Christianity both as a system of beliefs expressed in doctrines and stories, and as a way of life embodied in worship, social organizations, and life styles. Students will be introduced to something of the wide diversity which constitutes Christianity.
A comparative, feminist-critical exploration of the status of women and women's religious experience in selected examples of traditional (e.g., Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) and non-traditional (e.g., Goddess religions, Wicca, Feminism) religions, ancient and modern.
An introduction to the alphabet, orthography, vocalization, and basic grammar of biblical Hebrew. Emphasis on elementary reading skills.
A study of biblical Hebrew grammar and reading of selected prose passages from the Hebrew bible. (Prerequisite: 35-120 or permission of the instructor.)
Designed to equip the beginner with the basic skills needed for reading ancient Greek literature, including the New Testament. (This course is also available as 13-100.)
Designed to equip the beginner with the basic skills needed for reading ancient Greek literature, including the New Testament. (This course is also available as 13-101.) (Prerequisite: 35-122.)
An introduction to the script and structure of India's classical language through the aid of literature. Emphasis on the ability to read basic writings. (This course is also available as 10-132.)
A continuation of 35-124. (This course is also available as 10-133.) (Prerequisite: 35-124.)
Religious world views are examined as a source of ethical traditions, which provide the foundations for norms and values, authority, discernment, and conscience.
Historical background of the discipline of social ethics in Christian and other traditions; methodology of the discipline, with illustrations from specific issues and problems.
An introduction to a variety of resources that can be used to make decisions on complex ethical issues, from the perspective of Religious Studies. Resources such as moral principles, tradition, personal experience, and reason will be applied to specific contemporary moral problems.
An examination of the ethical issues created by advances in biology and medicine in the area of reproduction. Topics include contraception, genetic screening and engineering, non-sexual reproduction, abortion, and the treatment of severely deformed newborns.
An examination of the ethical and legal issues that arise in the context of contemporary medical practice. Topics include Codes of Ethics and patient rights, the doctrine of consent, the patient's refusal of treatment, experimental medicine, privacy and confidentiality, the allocation of scarce resources, defining death, organ transplantation, and euthanasia.
Examination of violence, especially in its institutionalized forms: oppressive systems, militarization, the arms trade, the arms race emphasizing nuclear weapons, and war. Religious attitudes regarding violence, and religious resources for peace and justice.
Examination of nonviolent action as a means of struggle for preserving or changing human behaviour and institutions in the direction of peace and justice, with emphasis upon religious resources, exemplified in the work of Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Ethical issues which arise in facility-based care (e.g., restraints, privacy) and home care (e.g., access to services) are examined, as well as issues which arise generally in long-term care (e.g., quality of life, competency).
Issues such as employer-employee rights and duties and corporate culture are examined. Feminist perspectives and analysis are incorporated.
Issues raised by the impact of science and technology in the modern world. In judging the benefits and detriments, the advantages and disadvantages of science and technology, what role do religious perspectives play? Why do science and technology take the direction they do? Can we effectively influence their direction for greater human benefit?
Ethical analysis and religious insights regarding human activities which damage global ecosystems: population growth, resource depletion, pollution, war, and preparation for war, with their consequences in hunger, impoverishment, illness, injury, and death. Consideration for possibilities for redemptive action.
The role of religion in shaping, positively and negatively, the understanding of sexuality and sexual roles. The impact of current re-evaluations of bodiliness and feminine-masculine stereotyping on societal views of marriage, premarital sex, homosexuality, etc.
An examination of the principal approaches, themes, and issues in Christian theology today, arising from the encounter of Christian reflection with contemporary thought and movements. Illustration from representative theologians.
An examination of various themes in the philosophy of religion: religious language, religious knowing, miracles, immortality, the attributes of God, etc. Issues vary.
A study of the lived experience, diverse theological models and actual forms of Christian community: their life, nature, structure, function, and mission; dialogue among various church groups, cooperative ventures, response to contemporary issues.
An examination of recent directions in understanding authentic ways of life, the visions of reality they contain, and the means to express and sustain them. Focus upon personal growth, interpersonal compassion, and social justice. Works of authors such as Thomas Merton, Matthew Fox, Gustavo Gutierrez.
A study of the personal and social dimensions of Christian liturgy, word and sacraments: their roots in human experience and divine presence; their history and theology; their celebration of life's meaning in story and doctrine, in symbolic action, in music and art; their implications for personal growth and social responsibility.
An introduction to the various dimensions of feminist theology. These include: post-Christian feminism; feminist hermeneutics; liberation theology; and the stories, both fiction and non-fiction, of women's lives. Students are encouraged to study the material in relation to their own lives and values.
An exploration of the profound human experiences which have led people to affirm an ultimate Reality or Presence: such as, wonder and awe, joy and anxiety; meaning; evil and death; freedom and conscience; solitude and love; guilt and forgiveness; plurality and unity. Consideration of images and ideas used to interpret such experience and their religious and moral implications.
An examination of selected central themes and issues in Christian theology today. (Since content varies from year to year, students may repeat this course for credit with permission.)
An examination of contemporary theological and philosophical understandings of the attributes and nature of God.
The history of Christianity from the age of orthodoxy and heresy to the eve of the Reformation. Topics include the origins and growth of the early church, the relationship between church and state, theological controversies, schism between east and west, and the development of monasticism, mysticism, and scholasticism. (This course is recommended to be taken in conjunction with 35-231.)
The history of Christianity from the age of reason to the age of uncertainty and anxiety. Topics include the formation of Protestant denominations, the relationship between church and state, religious strife and toleration, the spread of European Christianity, and the challenges posed by scientific, economic, and political revolutions. (This course is recommended to be taken in conjunction with 35-230.)
A discussion of the conflict between the religious and scientific interpretations of reality and an attempt to reconcile them.
An examination of ultimate human questions concerning life, death, meaning, value, and God, as expressed in selected short stories, novels, popular literature, and/or poetry.
An examination of the human experience of death and dying and of the meaning of human life given the fact that we shall all die. Lectures, readings, films, and discussions will explore a variety of significant thinkers and concepts concerning death. Through various exercises and shared experiences, students will be encouraged to examine their own feelings and attitudes toward death.
An examination of the spiritual lives of women, from the early Christian Church to the present, including attention to the influence of ancient Greece, the age of persecution, the monastic age, and the female experience of God in modern times.
An examination of the phenomenon of witchcraft from an historical-social perspective, especially as reflective of attitudes towards women. A study of the roots and continuing expressions of Wicca in the ancient goddess cult of Europe, especially the Celtic and Germanic traditions, and including folk traditions.
An introduction to reading Hebrew biblical literature. Develops the basic skills for investigating literary, historical, and religious dimensions of the text and uses these skills to explore passages selected from the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.
An introduction to the scholarly reading of the New Testament: historical and cultural background; Judaism in the first century; the literary relationship among the gospels; the gospel portraits of Jesus; Paul's career and its impact; unity and diversity in early Christianity.
An examination of the society of ancient Israel, focusing on the role of religion in the formation and development of the community from the mosaic period and the tribal confederacy, through the monarchy, to the emergence of Judaism in the post-exilic period. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-250.)
An examination of the variety of portraits of Jesus of Nazareth presented by the canonical gospels and selected extra-Biblical works. The relationships among the synoptics; cultural and social setting of the gospels; methods of gospel criticism. A translation component/stream is available for students who have successfully completed 35-122 and 35-123. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-251.)
An introduction to the Pauline correspondence. It is designed to equip the participants with background information concerning the culture of Palestine, Asia Minor, and Greece in the first century CE, and with the technical skills for reading and interpreting Paul's letters and the deutero-Pauline correspondence. A translation component/stream is available for students who have successfully completed 35-122 and 35-123. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-251.)
The civilizations and cultures of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan, including a study of recent discoveries such as Ebla. The relation of religion in this setting to geographical, historical, and cultural factors.
The social and religious roles and legal status of women depicted in Jewish scriptures and other literature of the Ancient Near East; the nature of biblical god-language and its relation to the portrayal of women; the androcentric perspective of the biblical text, translations and interpretations; the significance of biblical interpretation for the depiction of woman/women in contemporary theology and society.
The social and religious roles and legal status of women depicted in the New Testament and Hellenistic Jewish literature of the period; the nature of biblical god-language and its relation to the portrayal of women; the androcentric perspective of the biblical text, translations and interpretations; the significance of biblical interpretation for the depiction of woman/women in contemporary theology and society.
A comparative introduction to the doctrines, rituals, and ethics of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Zen Buddhism, and selected tribal religions. (Slides and field trips.)
A comparative introduction to the doctrines, rituals, and ethics of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Islam, Bahai, and the Amer-Indians. (Slides and field trips.)
A study of the writings, spiritual experiences, and religious states of consciousness of mystics and saints. Topics include devotion, contemplation, and social action in Hinduism, Yoga, Buddhism, Sufism, Taoism, Hasidism, and Christianity. (Audio-visuals, field trips, practicum.)
An understanding of the nature and meaning of human existence in terms of the religious perspectives of Hinduism, Buddhism, and related traditions of India (Jainism, Sikhism); their philosophical ideas, ethics, spiritual practices, gods, and goddesses with their myths and meanings. (Audio-visuals, field trips, practicum.)
An introduction to the history, lifestyle, koans, arts, and meditational sitting (zazen) of Zen, the meditation school of Buddhism in China and Japan.
An introduction to the theory and practice of India's greatest achievement in the area of physical, mental, and spiritual awareness. Topics include: psychology and philosophy of Yoga, postures, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, diet, concentration and meditation, kundalini, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga (ways of devotion and social action).
A study of Muslim ritual and theology and their importance for Islamic history, law, philosophy, and culture.
Selected topics in the social and literary history of post-biblical Judaism.
A further study of Sanskrit with a view to the development of skills required to read literature such as the Bhagavad-Gita, Upanishads, and Bhagavad. (This course is also offered as 10-232.) (Prerequisite: 35-125 or consent of the instructor.)
A continuation of 35-270. (This course is also offered as 10-233.) (Prerequisite: 35-270 or consent of the instructor.)
Evaluation of the impact of economic institutions, thought, and behaviour on human welfare and on the environment, from the perspective of religious ethics, with attention to such issues as tax and trade laws, fiscal policy, energy and food supplies, employment, income distribution, and social welfare services, in a global context. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-201.)
An examination of the writings of a number of contemporary Protestant and Roman Catholic theologians who address developments in the biomedical field. Emphasis will be placed on selected authors, such as James Gustafson and Richard McCormick. The teachings of mainline Christian churches will also be studied. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-200.)
An examination of key bioethical concepts, such as the meaning of health and illness, professional-patient relationships, operative principles and modes of decision making, as understood in selected religious traditions. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by one of 35-203, 35-204, or 35-207, and by one of 35-260 or 35-261.)
An examination of the ethical issues raised by research and experimentation in the sciences and social sciences. Issues include: randomized clinical trials, deception in psychology experiments, research on "captive populations", fetal research, animal experimentation, recombinant DNA research, peer review of research protocols by ethics committees.
An examination of traditional and modern proofs for God's existence and the argument from religious experience and mysticism.
An examination of traditional and contemporary attempts to reconcile the world's suffering and anguish with the existence of God. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-221.)
Major Christian thinkers of the twentieth century. (Since content varies from year to year, students may repeat this course for credit with permission.)
An examination of religious themes in the thought of significant nineteenth- and twentieth-century authors. (Since content varies from year to year, students may repeat this course for credit, with permission.)
An introduction to Process philosophy and its implications for understanding the reality of God and new interpretations of various theological issues: Christ, death, immortality, freedom, suffering, ethics, etc. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-221.)
An examination of the Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican, radical, and Roman Catholic reformations of the sixteenth century, with special emphasis on theological issues. (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by 35-230 or 35-231.)
An exploration of the Hebrew bible as a literary text; the focus is on forms, styles, themes, and their literary functions. Selected examples from narrative and poetic books are examined with the aid of contemporary literary-critical-biblical theories and methods of analysis. (This course is recommended be preceded or accompanied by 35-250.)
An examination of specific themes and figures in nineteenth- and twentieth-century New Testament scholarship. Specific content may vary.
A study of topics of concern to contemporary Buddhist leaders, reformers, and activists (e.g., Ven. Buddhadassa, the Dalai Lama, Ven. Piyasilo, Sivaraksa). (This course is recommended to be preceded or accompanied by one of 35-260, 35-263, or 35-265.)
A study of selected modern thinkers of India and their enriching contribution to its classical thought and modern ethos (e.g., Ghandi, Tagore, Vivekananda, Radhakrishnan, Krishnamurti, Aurobindo).
An in-depth study of the philosophy and psychology of Yoga, drawing parallels with the contemporary western transpersonal psychology in relation to the concepts of consciousness and human evolution. Includes meditation and a comparative study of various meditative practices and other spiritual paths. (Prerequisite: 35-266.)
The following 400-level courses may be repeated for credit where content varies sufficiently.