Religion
The Department of Religion is dedicated to the academic study of the world’s religious traditions and of social and cultural phenomena affected by religions. Whatever the focus — ancient or contemporary, East or West, mysticism or ethics, ritual or philosophy — informed appreciation of the beliefs and values of other cultures is an essential dimension of education for today’s world. Religion offers students an opportunity to explore the contemporary religious scene and critically examine the cultural, social, and political aspects of each religion.
Iranian Studies
Minor in Iranian Studies — 24 credits
An exploration of the peoples, cultures, languages and religions of Iran and Persia.
Sample courses include:
Classical Islam, Sufism, Religions of Iran, Classical Persian Literature
Admission Requirements
Iranian Studies (Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Judaic Studies
Honours in Judaic Studies — 60 credits
A comprehensive program focused on the study of Judaism, its history and literature. This program involves an appreciation of Christianity and Islam and a mastery of Hebrew at the intermediate level, and can be adapted to students’ interests. Students who demonstrate fluency in Hebrew by a written examination may substitute religion courses at the intermediate or advanced level approved by the departmental advisor. Honours students write an advanced research paper under the guidance of an expert in their chosen field.Major in Judaic Studies — 48 credits
The Major in Judaic Studies provides a solid foundation in this area.Minor in Judaic Studies — 24 credits
Gives students the opportunity to explore Judaism, its history and literature, through a program tailored to their interests. The Minor in Judaic Studies provides an ideal complement to many subjects, including history, literature, and anthropology.
Sample courses include:
Biblical Studies I: The Hebrew Bible, Ancient Judaism, Canadian Jewish Literature, The Impact of the Holocaust on Religious Thought, Women and Religion: Judaism, Studies in Jewish Thought and Philosophy, Medieval Jewish Thought and Institutions
Admission Requirements
Judaic Studies (BA - Honours/Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Religion
Honours in Religion — 60 credits
Allows students to explore their own interests independently. Courses are devoted to the study of a relevant language (e.g. Sanskrit, Arabic) or associated field of study (e.g. anthropology, art, history, psychology). Honours students also write an advanced research paper under the guidance of an expert in their chosen field.Major in Religion — 42 credits
The Major in Religion provides training in two fields, chosen from Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Asian Religions, and Women and Religion. Students who choose Asian Religions as a concentration may select any combination of courses in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and religions of China and Japan.Minor in Religion — 24 credits
Students have the opportunity to explore the field through a program tailored to their interests, designed in collaboration with the department advisors. A Minor in Religion provides an ideal complement to many subjects.
Sample courses include:
Religion in Practice, On the Margins of Christianity: Heresy, Dissidence and the End of the World, Modern Islam, Women and Religion: Hinduism, Religion and Film, Death and Dying, History of Satan: Evil Personified in Judaism and Christianity
Admission Requirements
Religion (BA - Honours/Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Southern Asia Studies
Major in Southern Asia Studies — 42 credits
The program focuses on the societies and cultures of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh with emphasis on their religious and cultural systems and their modern history and development. Some comparative work on other Indianized cultures of Southern Asia such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia may also be included.Minor in Southern Asia Studies — 24 credits
Gives students the opportunity to explore and learn about the cultural, historical and political systems of the countries in Southern Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Students are introduced to the religions of the region such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism.
Sample courses include:
Religions of Asia, Religion and the Arts in South and Southeast Asia, Hindu Sadhana: From Yajna to Yoga, Introduction to Islam, Introduction to Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, The Veda, Upanishads, and Religion in Ancient India
Admission Requirements
Southern Asia Studies (BA - Major/Minor) requirements: Minimum cut-off averages, admission statistics and program requirements.
Government, business, education, law, teacher, school animator, diplomat.
See the BA degree description for information on the core and elective requirements. For a complete list of courses: Undergraduate Calendar
Undergraduate admissions guidelines: For information on international admission, required documents, proof of language proficiency, the university admissions timetable, selection and notification process.
