Note: This is the 2017鈥�2018 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Jump To:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies
- Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Religious Studies (RELG) Faculty
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Religion and Globalization (18 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Scriptural Languages (18 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration World Religions (18 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Scriptures and Interpretations (36 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration World Religions (36 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Religious Studies - Asian Religions (60 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Religious Studies - Western Religions (60 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Asian Religions (36 credits)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Western Religions (36 credits)
- Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Religious Studies (120 credits)
- Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Honours Religious Studies (120 credits)
Religious Studies (RELG)
Location
Location
- School of Religious Studies
- William and Henry Birks Building
- 3520 University Street
- Montreal QC H3A 2A7
- Telephone: 514-398-4121
- Website: www.mcgill.ca/religiousstudies
About the School of Religious Studies
About the School of Religious Studies
Cultivating a thorough understanding of the world鈥檚 religions and the roles of religion throughout history and in contemporary society is at the heart of the School of Religious Studies鈥� teaching at the undergraduate level. The School takes a multidisciplinary approach to scholarship on a plurality of religions and incorporates a broad range of perspectives and methods. In studying the world鈥檚 religious traditions, we emphasize the ways in which religious expression and practices are embedded in culture, politics, aesthetics, and social change.
The School of Religious Studies has enjoyed a long history at 平特五不中 providing a wide range of programs, including B.A. programs, theological programs, and several specialized graduate degree programs. The School鈥檚 expertise in world religions engages many methods and disciplines, combining the rigorous and historically focused study of religious traditions and contexts with approaches that explore contemporary expressions of religions. For more on the Faculty鈥檚 distinctive, holistic approach to the study of religion, please visit About Us.
The School is home to the Centre for Research on Religion (CREOR) and 平特五不中鈥檚 Initiative in Globalization and the World鈥檚 Religions. It is also affiliated with the Montreal Diocesan Theological College of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Presbyterian College Montreal, and the United Theological College of the United Church of Canada. Each of these colleges is located close to campus.
The School of Religious Studies is located in the handsome William and Henry Birks Building, erected in 1931, formerly known as Divinity Hall, at 3520 University Street. Besides the usual classrooms, offices, and common rooms, this building accommodates the Birks Heritage Chapel and the Birks Reading Room.
History of the School
During the 19th century, several Theological Colleges in Montreal became affiliated with 平特五不中. In 1912, they formed a Joint Board for the academic study of Theology, leaving each denominational College to provide its own professional training for Christian ministry. This relationship between the Colleges and the University led naturally to the creation in 1948 of a Faculty of Divinity, which assumed the academic functions of the Joint Board, now designated the Montreal School of Theology. In 1970, the name of the Faculty was changed to the Faculty of Religious Studies.
By reason of its close collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, the faculty formally became the School of Religious Studies, within the Faculty of Arts, in 2016. The School now offers the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree programs, and several graduate degree programs.
Religious Studies Programs
Religious Studies Programs
The School of Religious Studies offers programs leading to the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies
- Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Prospective students seeking advice should contact an adviser from the School of Religious Studies.
Birks Lectures
Birks Lectures
An annual series was established in 1950 through the generosity of the late William M. Birks. The lectures are given by distinguished visitors, usually in late September or early October.
The first lecturer was the Right Reverend Leslie Hunter. More recent lecturers have included Huston Smith, Northrop Frye, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Gregory Baum, Robert McAfee Brown, Krister Stendahl, Charles Adams, Jon Levenson, David Little, Azim Nanji, Paul Griffiths, Bernadette J. Brooten, Harvey Cox, John S. Hawley, Gabriel Vahanian, Oliver O'Donovan, Jan Assmann, Donald Lopez, R茅emi Brague, David Fergusson, John J. Collins, David Shulman and Talal Asad.
Numata Visiting Professor in Buddhist Studies
Numata Visiting Professor in Buddhist Studies
In recognition of the strong Buddhist Studies program in the School of Religious Studies, the Numata Foundation has given a 20-year grant to the School to bring a visiting scholar in Buddhist Studies to 平特五不中 each year.
The visiting professor teaches one course at the 500 level, gives a public lecture, and is available to students for conferences and consultation.
The first Numata Professor, in 1999鈥�2000, was Dr. Mahinda Deegalle (Ph.D., Chicago), a Theravada Buddhist Sri Lankan monk. Subsequent visiting professors have included Dr. John Pettit, Professor Robert Morrison, Dr. Thupten Jinpa, Dr. Kate Crosby, Ven. Yifa, Dr. Robert Kritzer, Dr. Andrew Skilton, Dr. Joel Tatelman, Dr. Miriam Levering, Dr. Hiroko Kawanami, Dr. Dorji Wangchuk, Dr. Martin Adam, Dr. Jin Park, Dr. Roger Jackson, Dr. Burkhard Scherer, Dr. Andre van der Braak, and Dr. Rinpoche Sherpa.
The visiting professor for 2017鈥�2018 is Gregory Samuel.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies
Overview of Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies programs explore the many cultural, historical, and political issues related to both Eastern and Western religions, and to religion in a comparative perspective. Majors and minors in World Religions are available, as well as a minor in Religion and Globalization and honours and joint honours programs in Religious Studies. Students frequently combine majors and minors in World Religions with a wide range of other B.A. concentrations, highlighting the importance of the rigorous study of religion to many other areas of inquiry.
A distinctive strength of the School鈥檚 offerings is the Major Concentration in Scriptures and Interpretations, which allows for a concentration on a particular scriptural tradition (Jewish, Christian, or Hindu and Buddhist scriptures); the Minor Concentration in Scriptural Languages supports all these concentrations by providing intensive study of either Indo-Tibetan languages or Biblical Languages.
Prospective students seeking advice should contact an adviser from the School of Religious Studies.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
Overview of Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
The main goals of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program are:
- to offer academic instruction in the disciplines of theology within a university setting;
- to contribute to preparation for ministry in the contemporary world by giving special attention to the Canadian and North American contexts, the Quebec context, and religious pluralism.
The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) may be taken as a first or second baccalaureate degree.
As a first degree (90 or 120 credits), it offers a more intensive study of Christianity than is available within the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs, while also permitting the student to combine this specialization with other academic or professional interests, whether in Religious Studies or in other faculties and schools of the University.
As a second bachelor鈥檚 degree (60 credits), the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program is designed primarily for those who intend to qualify for the ordained ministry in a Christian denomination, although here too, some students pursue the degree out of an interest in the academic study of theology for its own sake, or with a view to combining these studies with proficiency gained in other disciplines. The 60-credit program forms the core of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree.
Those studying for the ordained ministry usually pursue the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) as part of a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) offered by one of the three Theological Colleges affiliated with 平特五不中 in the Montreal School of Theology:
- Montreal Diocesan Theological College (Anglican Church of Canada)
- Presbyterian College (Presbyterian Church in Canada)
- United Theological College (United Church of Canada)
Tuition Fees and Funding
Information concerning current tuition fees can be found at www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts. Applicants for admission to one of the affiliated Colleges should contact the institution concerned for information regarding College-related fees.
ATS Accreditation
The B.Th. program offered by 平特五不中 is applicable to the M.Div. program offered by the Theological Colleges. The M.Div. is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada (ATS).
Evaluation
Competence in a course may be determined by examinations and/or essays, or by other means chosen by the instructor and approved by the Director.
Graduation Requirements
- The B.Th. is either a 120-credit program (if you were admitted from outside Quebec and without a prior Bachelor's degree), a 90-credit program (if you were admitted on the basis of a Quebec D.C.S. or equivalent), or a 60-credit program (if you were admitted on the basis of a recognized bachelor's degree).
- Qualification for the degree must include Satisfactory Standing (a grade of C or better) in all required courses and the complementary courses specified in Year 3, and the accumulation of enough acceptable credits to make a total of either 60, 90, or 120 credits. It should be noted that if you take the B.Th. program as part of the M.Div. program, you need to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 to be eligible for the M.Div. degree.
- Normally, the program credits must be earned within five years from the date of entrance.
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
The B.Th. program has three points of entry:
- To enter the 120-credit degree program from outside Quebec, you must hold a high school diploma, unless you qualify as a mature student. A maximum of 60 credits from another institution of higher learning can be considered for transfer into the 120-credit program.
- To enter the 90-credit first-degree program, you are expected to have completed the Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) from a Quebec CEGEP with a minimum average Cote R of 24, or the equivalent elsewhere. A maximum of 30 credits from another institution of higher learning can be considered for transfer into this program.
- To enter the 60-credit program, you must have completed a B.A. or other bachelor鈥檚 degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7 (B-). No credits can be transferred from another institution of higher learning into the 60-credit program.
Any 平特五不中 student in good standing, with a minimum of 30 credits, may apply for transfer from their current degree program into the B.Th. program. B.Th. students entering the 120- or 90-credit program are free to pursue minors in other departments, schools, or faculties, in consultation with their B.Th. adviser(s).
Prospective students should contact the Chair of the B.Th. Committee to discuss their qualifications, expectations, and objectives. Appointments can be made by contacting:
- Professor Torrance Kirby
- Email: torrance.kirby [at] mcgill.ca
Mature Students Admissions Policy
Prerequisite courses and 平特五不中's competitive admission process:
- Two courses appropriate to the proposed area of study, each with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent)
The Mature Student category is available to applicants who:
- do not possess a conventional basis of admission such as a high school or CEGEP diploma; or
- have academic credentials that do not meet the minimum requirements and have no academic studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission.
Applicants with regular academic studies completed during the last five years must apply under the regular high school, CEGEP, or university transfer categories.
Conditions for eligibility:
- Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
- 23 years of age or older at time of registration (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
- No college- or university-level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
- Two letters of reference
- Letter of Intent, including description of previous educational experiences
- Complete record of employment and personal history, highlighting points relevant to the application
- Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of appropriate courses within the three-year period prior to admission. These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program.
Each student is considered on an individual basis, based on all elements in the file.
Application Procedures
Application Procedures
The online application process should take about 20 minutes and a credit card is required for payment of the application fee. Once completed, the online application form may be printed for your own records.
Required Documents
- Transcript(s) of all previous post-secondary academic work. Applicants to the B.Th. Program as a first degree must submit high school and/or CEGEP transcripts. Copies of your unofficial transcript(s) can be uploaded to complete your application. Official transcript(s) are required only if you are admitted, and must be mailed directly from the institution to the mailing address below.
- Personal Statement, according to the directions in the application. Please download and use the Personal Statement Form (available at www.mcgill.ca/religiousstudies/theology/bth).
After your application has been received, you will be given access to your Minerva account, where you will be able to upload your unofficial transcripts and personal statement to complete your application. You can find full instructions on how to prepare, upload, and submit relevant documents at www.mcgill.ca/applying/nextsteps/documents.
- Two letters of recommendation including at least one from an instructor in an academic institution previously attended. Your referee must download and use the B.Th. Reference Form (available at www.mcgill.ca/religiousstudies/theology/bth).
The two letters of recommendation must be sent to:
- Bachelor of Theology Program
- Enrolment Services
- Student Records
- 平特五不中
- 3415 McTavish Street, Room MS-13
- Montreal QC H3A 0C8
- Canada
If you are applying to one of the Theological Colleges, another complete set of these required documents must also be sent to the College concerned.
Please note that your file will not be considered by the Admissions Committee until all the required documents have been received.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Applicants to the B.Th. program may be accepted into the Fall or Winter term. The online application deadlines are:
| September admission (Fall term) | |
|---|---|
| Canadian and International applicants: | May 1 |
| January admission (Winter term) | |
| Canadian and International applicants: | November 1 |
Please note that all required documents listed in Application Procedures must be received by the School of Religious Studies prior to these deadlines in order for the applicant to be considered by the Admissions Committee.
Admissions Review Procedure
Admissions Review Procedure
An unsuccessful applicant, or a School of Religious Studies Council member acting on behalf of an unsuccessful applicant, who believes that not all factors having a bearing on the application have been fully considered, may submit a request for a review of the decision.
The request must be made in writing and directed to the Chair of the B.Th. Admissions and Awards Committee. A CAD$40 certified cheque or money order made payable to 平特五不中 University must accompany the request. The request must include information in support of reconsideration, such as a description of significant change in the applicant's circumstances since the initial consideration, correction of any missing or erroneous information in the application, or information that the applicant believes may have been overlooked when the original decision was made.
Requests for reconsideration must be received at 平特五不中 no more than two weeks after notification of refusal.
The review procedure will be carried out by the B.Th. Admissions and Awards Committee. Please note that the original admission decision will stand unless the Committee is persuaded that admissions standards have been misapplied or that an applicant鈥檚 academic record has been misapprehended.
Decisions on Special, Visiting, and Exchange applications are final; requests for reconsideration will not be considered.
Registration Procedures
Registration Procedures
All students register using Minerva, 平特五不中's web-based registration system. Minerva provides web access to registration, class schedules, course descriptions, and address changes. Further information regarding registration is available at University Regulations & Resources > Undergraduate > Registration or www.mcgill.ca/accepted.
Withdrawal Procedures
Dropping or adding courses must be done via Minerva, prior to the deadline listed at University Regulations & Resources > Undergraduate > Registration > Registration Periods. Permission of the adviser is required for all changes to course selection. In case of withdrawal from the University prior to the published course withdrawal deadline, you must withdraw from all courses via Minerva. In addition, you must contact the Chair of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Committee and complete the necessary withdrawal form.
Course Selection
You are to seek the guidance of your adviser(s) when registering for courses. You must have your courses approved and your Minerva form signed by the Chair of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) Committee before classes begin. If you are affiliated with one of the Theological Colleges, your Minerva form must first be approved and signed by your College adviser.
Academic Standing and Course Loads
Academic Standing and Course Loads
Satisfactory Standing
You enter the University in Satisfactory Standing and remain in this Standing unless your grade point average (GPA) or cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for any year drops below 2.00. The normal course load in any academic session is five courses per term (15 credits per term). If you have a high GPA (at least 3.00), you may take more than the normal five courses per term.
Probationary Standing
You are placed in Probationary Standing if either your CGPA or your term GPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99. (If you are a part-time student, your GPA is calculated on the basis of your last 9 credits.) While in Probationary Standing, you may take a minimum of 6 credits and a maximum of 12 credits per term.
While in Probationary Standing, you may return to Satisfactory Standing by completing 12 additional credits with a GPA of at least 2.50, or by completing 12 credits with a GPA and a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.
As a student in Probationary Standing, if you fail to achieve the levels of performance specified above, you will be placed in Unsatisfactory Standing, unless you obtain a GPA of 1.50鈥�1.99 while continuing to have a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.
Unsatisfactory Standing
You are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing if you have a GPA of less than 1.50.
As a student in Unsatisfactory Standing, you will have to withdraw, or seek readmission as a probationary student with special permission from the B.Th. Committee and the Director. If you are a student who is readmitted on Probationary Standing, you may have additional restrictions or conditions to meet over and above those required of students referred to above under 鈥淧robationary Standing.鈥�
In the event that you are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing for a second time, you must withdraw permanently.
Incomplete Standing
If, in any year, your record shows a mark of K, K*, L, L*, or &&, you will have no GPA or CGPA calculated for that year, and your record will show 鈥淪tanding Incomplete.鈥� After completing the appropriate course requirements, your GPA and CGPA will be calculated and your Standing determined as described above.
If your Standing is still 鈥淚ncomplete鈥� at the time of registration for the next academic year, you must obtain a Letter of Permission to Register from the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Overview of Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is offered by the Colleges affiliated with the School of Religious Studies through the Montreal School of Theology.
Students who have completed a first degree prior to the B.Th. with a minimum CGPA of 2.7 are eligible to apply the B.Th. degree toward the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree conferred by the Theological Colleges.
The Master of Divinity Program is divided into two years of foundational studies at 平特五不中's School of Religious Studies (i.e., the Bachelor of Theology degree) and a year of professional studies, known as the 鈥淚n-Ministry Year,鈥� offered jointly by the three affiliated theological Colleges under the auspices of the Montreal School of Theology. The program is supervised by the Academic Committee of the Montreal School of Theology, on which all three Colleges and 平特五不中's School of Religious Studies are represented.
Students from the affiliated colleges may be eligible for bursary assistance if they are properly registered candidates for the ministry. Information about church requirements and the professional year should be sought from the principals of the appropriate colleges.
One biblical language, usually Greek, is required by some of the colleges. Ministerial candidates should consult with the College advisers regarding biblical language requirements.
Prospective candidates for ordination with a B.A. Honours or Major in Religious Studies and a CGPA of 3.3 (B+) may apply for the Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) degree upon completion of the professional In-Ministry Year (IMY).
Applicants for the M.Div. program must apply to the 平特五不中 B.Th. program, as well as to one of the Theological Colleges. College application forms should be requested from the Colleges themselves.
- The Montreal School of Theology
- (formerly the Joint Board of Theological Colleges)
- 脡cole th茅ologique de Montr茅al (affili茅e 脿 l'Universit茅 平特五不中)
- 3475 University Street
- Montreal QC H3A 2A8
- Montreal Diocesan Theological College
- S茅minaire Dioc茅sain de Montr茅al
- 3475 University Street
- Montreal QC H3A 2A8
- The Presbyterian College
- Le Coll猫ge Presbyt茅rien
- 3495 University Street
- Montreal QC H3A 2A8
- The United Theological College
- Le s茅minaire Uni
- 3521 University Street
- Montreal QC H3A 2A9
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Religious Studies (RELG) Faculty
Religious Studies (RELG) Faculty
| Director |
|---|
| Daniel Cere (Interim) |
| Graduate Program Director and Admissions Chair |
| Garth W. Green |
| Administrative Officers |
| Luvana Di Francesco (on leave as of Oct. 1, 2016) |
| Francesca Maniaci (Acting as of Oct. 1, 2016) |
| Emeritus Professors |
| Gregory B. Baum; B.A.(McM.), M.A.(Ohio), D.Th.(Fribourg) |
| Maurice Boutin; B.A., B.A., B.A.(Montr.), D.Th.(Munich) |
| Douglas J. Hall; B.A.(W. Ont.), M.Div., S.T.M., Th.D.(U.T.S., N.Y.), L.L.D.(Wat.), D.D.(Pres. Col.), D.D.(Qu.) |
| Donna Runnalls; B.A.(Br. Col.), B.D.(McG.), Ph.D.(Tor.) |
| Frederik Wisse; Ing.(Utrecht), B.A., B.D.(Calvin, Mich.), Ph.D.(Claremont) |
| Katherine K. Young; B.A.(Vermont), M.A.(Chic.), Ph.D.(McG.) |
| Post-Retirement Professor |
| G. Victor Hori; B.A.(York), M.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Stan.) (Japanese Religions) |
| Professors |
| Douglas B. Farrow; B.R.E.(Providence), M.Div.(Grace), M.Th.(Regent), Ph.D.(Lond.) (Christian Thought) |
| W.J. Torrance Kirby; B.A.(KCNS), M.A., D.Phil.(Oxf.) (Ecclesiastical History) |
| G.S. Oegema; B.A., Th.D.(Vrije, Amsterdam), M.A., Ph.D.(Free Univ., Berlin), Dr. Theol. Habil(T眉bingen) (Biblical Studies) |
| Armando Salvatore; M.A.(L'Orientale, Naples), Ph.D.(EUI, Florence), Dr. Habil.(Humboldt, Berlin) (Barbara and Patrick Keenan Chair in Interfaith Studies) |
| Arvind Sharma; B.A.(Allahabad), M.A.(Syrac.), M.T.S., Ph.D.(Harv.) (Henry Birks Professor of Comparative Religion) |
| Associate Professors |
| Lara Braitstein; M.A.(McG.) (Indo-Tibetan Buddhism) |
| Daniel Cere; B.A, M.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia) (Religion, Ethics, and Public Policy) |
| Ga毛lle Fiasse; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(Louvain-le-Neuve) (Ethics and Religious Ethics) (joint appt. with Department of Philosophy) |
| Garth Green; M.A.(Boston), M.A.(Leuven), Ph.D.(Boston) |
| Ian H. Henderson; B.A.(Manit.), B.D.(St. And.), M.A.(McM.), D.Phil.(Oxf.) (New Testament Studies) |
| Patricia G. Kirkpatrick; B.A.(McG.), M.Th.(Lond.), D.Phil.(Oxf.), D.D.(Montr. Dio. Coll.) (Old Testament Studies) |
| Andrea M. Pinkney; B.A.(McG.), M.A.(Hawaii at Manoa), Ph.D.(Col.) (South Asian Religions) |
| Assistant Professors |
| Mikael Baeur; B.A., M.A.(Louvain), Ph.D.(Harv.) (Japanese Religions (Buddhism)) |
| Jim Kanaris; B.A.(C鈥檇ia), M.A., Ph.D.(McG.) (Philosophy of Religion) |
| Samuel Nelson; M.A., Ph.D.(Yale) |
| Hamsa Stainton; B.A.(Cornell), M.A.(Wisc.), M.T.S.(Harv.), M.Phil., Ph.D.(Col.) |
| Heidi Wendt; B.A.(Brown), M.T.S.(Harv.), M.A., Ph.D.(Brown) |
| Numata Visiting Professor |
| Gregory Samuel |
| Adjunct Faculty |
| Robert Di Pede; B.A.(Hons.)(Tor.), M.A.(Seton Hall), C.Phil.(Immaculate Conception Sem., Seton Hall), Ph.D.(Edin.) |
| Hilliard T. Goldfarb; B.A.(Bowdoin), M.A., Ph.D.(Harv.) |
| Alyson Huntly; Dip.Min.(Centre for Christian Studies, Winnipeg), M.T.S.(St. And., Saskatoon), Ph.D.(Qu.) |
| Philip Joudrey; B.A., M.Div.(Acad.), D.Min.(Andover Newton Theological School) |
| William Klempa; B.A.(Manit.), M.A.(Tor.), B.D., D.D.(Knox, Tor.), Ph.D.(Edin.) |
| Thupten Jinpa Langri; B.A., Dr.Div.(King鈥檚 Coll., Lond.), Ph.D.(Camb.) |
| Lucille Marr; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(Wat.) |
| Angelica Pich茅; B.A.(Saarbrucken), M.Th.(Ludwig-Maximillian) |
| Vanessa Sasson; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(McG.) |
| Davesh Soneji; B.A.(Manit.), Ph.D.(McG.) (South Asian Religion) |
| Dale Woods; B.A.(Alta.), M.C.S.(Regent), M.Div.(Vancouver School of Theology), D.Min.(Luther Seminary) |
| Associate Member |
| George Di Giovanni; Ph.D.(Tor.) |
| Affiliate Members |
| Hillel Braude; M.B., Ch.B.(Cape Town), Ph.D.(Chic.) |
| Anne Leahy; M.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(New Br.) |
| Susan Palmer; B.A.(McG.), M.A., Ph.D.(C'dia) |
| Antoine Panaioti; B.A.(McG.), M.Phil., Ph.D.(Camb.) |
| John Simons; B.A.(Bishop's), S.T.B.(Trin. Coll., Tor.), Ph.D.(G'town) |
| Fabian E. Udoh; S.T.B.(Pontifica Univ. Gregoriana), M.Phil.(Oxf.), Ph.D.(Duke) |
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Religion and Globalization (18 credits)
The Minor Concentration in Religion and Globalization offers students a comparative and historical exploration of the ways in which the world's religions are shaping (and are shaped by) the social, political, and economic dynamics of globalization, modernization, secularization, and postcolonialism.
For more information, see Minor Concentration Religion and Globalization (18 credits).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Scriptural Languages (18 credits)
**Currently under review. Program not available for this academic year.**
The Minor Concentration Scriptural Languages is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to read scriptural sources in their original languages. This Minor concentration is recommended to be followed in conjunction with the Major Concentration Scriptures and Interpretations.
This program may not be expanded to one of the major concentrations offered in Religious Studies.
Students will choose from one of two streams:
Stream I: Biblical Languages
Stream II: Indo-Tibetan Languages
Stream I - Biblical Languages
18 credits chosen from among courses on Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek.
Biblical Hebrew
* Note: Students with advanced standing in Hebrew may take Aramaic as part of their program.
| JWST 327 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 328 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 329 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 330 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| RELG 390D1* | (3) | Elementary Biblical Hebrew |
| RELG 390D2* | (3) | Elementary Biblical Hebrew |
| RELG 491 | (3) | Hebrew Texts |
| RELG 492 | (3) | Hebrew Texts |
Biblical Greek
| RELG 280D1 | (3) | Elementary New Testament Greek |
| RELG 280D2 | (3) | Elementary New Testament Greek |
| RELG 381 | (3) | Advanced New Testament Greek |
| RELG 482 | (3) | Exegesis of Greek New Testament |
| RELG 583 | (3) | Hellenistic Religious Texts |
Stream II - Indo-Tibetan Languages
Sanskrit is the language of classical Indian civilization and is recommended for students interested in gaining access to religious texts, philosophical works, academic treatises on all subjects, and poetry written in classical and medieval India.
Classical Tibetan is one of the main scriptural languages of Buddhism. Many texts originally composed in Sanskrit are only extant in their Tibetan translations, and a vast body of philosophical, devotional, poetic and academic works composed in Classical Tibetan is only accessible to one who has a firm grasp of the language.
Tamil is a language spoken by over 75,000,000 people around the world. It is an ancient South Indian language that, unlike Sanskrit, has a vital, living tradition. It has a classical literary canon and yet is also part of the everyday lives of millions of people.
18 credits chosen from among courses on Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Tamil.
Sanskrit
Revision, July 2017. Start of revision.
| RELG 257D1 | (3) | Introductory Sanskrit |
| RELG 257D2 | (3) | Introductory Sanskrit |
| RELG 357D1 | (3) | Sanskrit 2 |
| RELG 357D2 | (3) | Sanskrit 2 |
| RELG 457D1 | (3) | Advanced Sanskrit |
| RELG 457D2 | (3) | Advanced Sanskrit |
Revision, July 2017. End of revision.
Tibetan
| ISLA 551D1 | (3) | Introductory Urdu-Hindi |
| ISLA 551D2 | (3) | Introductory Urdu-Hindi |
| RELG 264 | (3) | Introductory Tibetan 1 |
| RELG 265 | (3) | Introductory Tibetan 2 |
| RELG 364 | (3) | Intermediate Tibetan 1 |
| RELG 365 | (3) | Intermediate Tibetan 2 |
| RELG 464 | (3) | Advanced Tibetan 1 |
| RELG 465 | (3) | Advanced Tibetan 2 |
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration World Religions (18 credits)
The Minor Concentration World Religions introduces students to the major world religions and to the academic study of religion. This program may be expanded to the Major Concentration World Religions.
For more information, see Minor Concentration World Religions (18 credits).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Scriptures and Interpretations (36 credits)
**Currently under review. Program not available for this academic year.**
The Major Concentration Scriptures and Interpretations is designed for students interested in understanding scriptural literatures and their place in developing religious traditions. While students will be able to concentrate in the area of their choice (Jewish, Christian, or Hindu and Buddhist Scriptures and Interpretations), they will study scriptures of at least two religious traditions, either in English translation or, if their skills permit, in the original languages.
Complementary Courses (30 credits)
30 credits with a minimum of 18 credits selected from one area of specialization and a minimum of 6 credits from a second area.
Areas of Specialization:
(a) Jewish Scriptures and the History of Their Interpretation
(b) Christian Scriptures and the History of Their Interpretation
(c) Hindu and Buddhist Scriptures and the Histories of Their Interpretations
No more than 12 credits may be taken at the 200 level.
(a) Jewish Scriptures and the History of Their Interpretation
| JWST 310 | (3) | Believers, Heretics and Critics |
| JWST 327 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 328 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 329 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 330 | (3) | A Book of the Bible |
| JWST 510 | (3) | Jewish Bible Interpretation 1 |
| JWST 511 | (3) | Jewish Bible Interpretation 2 |
| RELG 201 | (3) | Religions of the Ancient Near East |
| RELG 202 | (3) | Religion of Ancient Israel |
| RELG 203 | (3) | Bible and Western Culture |
| RELG 300 | (3) | Second Temple Judaism |
| RELG 302 | (3) | Literature of Ancient Israel 1 |
| RELG 303 | (3) | Literature of Ancient Israel 2 |
| RELG 308 | (3) | Ancient Bible Translations |
| RELG 390D1 | (3) | Elementary Biblical Hebrew |
| RELG 390D2 | (3) | Elementary Biblical Hebrew |
| RELG 407 | (3) | The Writings |
| RELG 408 | (3) | The Prophets |
| RELG 491 | (3) | Hebrew Texts |
| RELG 492 | (3) | Hebrew Texts |
| RELG 502 | (3) | Greco-Roman Judaism |
(b) Christian Scriptures and the History of Their Interpretation
| RELG 203 | (3) | Bible and Western Culture |
| RELG 210 | (3) | Jesus of Nazareth |
| RELG 280 | (6) | Elementary New Testament Greek |
| RELG 302 | (3) | Literature of Ancient Israel 1 |
| RELG 303 | (3) | Literature of Ancient Israel 2 |
| RELG 308 | (3) | Ancient Bible Translations |
| RELG 311 | (3) | New Testament Studies 1 |
| RELG 312 | (3) | New Testament Studies 2 |
| RELG 313 | (3) | Topics in Biblical Studies 1 |
| RELG 314 | (3) | Topics in Biblical Studies 2 |
| RELG 381 | (3) | Advanced New Testament Greek |
| RELG 407 | (3) | The Writings |
| RELG 408 | (3) | The Prophets |
| RELG 411 | (3) | New Testament Exegesis |
| RELG 482 | (3) | Exegesis of Greek New Testament |
| RELG 583 | (3) | Hellenistic Religious Texts |
(c) Hindu and Buddhist Scriptures and the Histories of Their Interpretations
Revision, July 2017. Start of revision.
| ISLA 551D1 | (3) | Introductory Urdu-Hindi |
| ISLA 551D2 | (3) | Introductory Urdu-Hindi |
| RELG 252 | (3) | Hinduism and Buddhism |
| RELG 253 | (3) | Religions of East Asia |
| RELG 257D1 | (3) | Introductory Sanskrit |
| RELG 257D2 | (3) | Introductory Sanskrit |
| RELG 264 | (3) | Introductory Tibetan 1 |
| RELG 265 | (3) | Introductory Tibetan 2 |
| RELG 266 | (3) | Introductory Tamil 1 |
| RELG 267 | (3) | Introductory Tamil 2 |
| RELG 337 | (3) | Themes in Buddhist Studies |
| RELG 342 | (3) | Theravada Buddhist Literature |
| RELG 344 | (3) | Mahayana Buddhism |
| RELG 348 | (3) | Classical Hinduism |
| RELG 350 | (3) | Bhakti Hinduism |
| RELG 352 | (3) | Japanese Religions: History and Thought |
| RELG 354 | (3) | Chinese Religions |
| RELG 357D1 | (3) | Sanskrit 2 |
| RELG 357D2 | (3) | Sanskrit 2 |
| RELG 364 | (3) | Intermediate Tibetan 1 |
| RELG 365 | (3) | Intermediate Tibetan 2 |
| RELG 369 | (3) | Tibetan Buddhism |
| RELG 388 | (3) | Introduction to Sikhism |
| RELG 442 | (3) | Pure Land Buddhism |
| RELG 443 | (3) | Japanese Esoteric Buddhism |
| RELG 451 | (3) | Zen: Maxims and Methods |
| RELG 452 | (3) | East Asian Buddhism |
| RELG 453 | (3) | Vajrayana Buddhism |
| RELG 454 | (3) | Modern Hindu Thought |
| RELG 457D1 | (3) | Advanced Sanskrit |
| RELG 457D2 | (3) | Advanced Sanskrit |
| RELG 464 | (3) | Advanced Tibetan 1 |
| RELG 465 | (3) | Advanced Tibetan 2 |
| RELG 545 | (3) | Ramayana: Multiple Lives |
| RELG 546 | (3) | Indian Philosophy |
| RELG 548 | (3) | Indian Buddhist Philosophy |
| RELG 552 | (3) | Advaita Vedanta |
| RELG 553 | (3) | Religions of South India 1 |
| RELG 554 | (3) | Religions of South Asia |
| RELG 560 | (3) | Buddhist Poetry |
Revision, July 2017. End of revision.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration World Religions (36 credits)
The Major Concentration World Religions offers students a broad introduction to the study of the world's major religions, with the possibility for concentration in a student's specific areas of interest. Developing an understanding of methods and problems in comparative approaches to the academic study of religion will be encouraged.
For more information, see Major Concentration World Religions (36 credits).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Religious Studies - Asian Religions (60 credits)
The Honours Religious Studies offers a degree of analysis and concentration beyond that of the Major program through coursework, intensive research and discussion with peer groups. ...
For more information, see Honours Religious Studies - Asian Religions (60 credits).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Religious Studies - Western Religions (60 credits)
The Honours Religious Studies offers a degree of analysis and concentration beyond that of the Major program through coursework, intensive research and discussion with peer groups. ...
For more information, see Honours Religious Studies - Western Religions (60 credits).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Asian Religions (36 credits)
Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".聽 ...
For more information, see Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Asian Religions (36 credits).
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Western Religions (36 credits)
Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".聽 ...
For more information, see Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Western Religions (36 credits).
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Religious Studies (120 credits)
The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree requires 120 credits. Many students enter the program with advanced standing, and their credit requirement for the degree is adjusted accordingly. ...
For more information, see Religious Studies (120 credits).
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Honours Religious Studies (120 credits)
Students who have achieved a CGPA of 3.30 at the end of B.Th. Year 2 (U2) may apply to the B.Th. Committee for permission to enter the Honours program. They will be required to complete the normal requirements for the B.Th. degree and the honours courses RELG 494 and RELG 495 in the B.Th. Year 3 (U3) with a grade of B or better.
For more information, see Honours Religious Studies (120 credits).
Faculty of Arts—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
