The religious studies program examines the variety of beliefs and behaviour through which people around the world express spiritual impulses, both in formal religions and everyday life. What do people believe is sacred? What do they think is true about the meaning and purpose of existence? How do they live out these beliefs in their day-to-day rituals and behaviour?
- Three or four-year (honours) programs lead to a bachelor of arts in religious studies
- The joint department of religious studies focuses on three main areas of study: Judaeo-Christian tradition, world religions and religion in modern culture.
- Courses may include Christian thought, Buddhism, The Problem of Evil, Religion and Violence, Native tradition and culture, eastern mysticism, the paranormal, bioethics, social issues, western morality, Judaism, Hinduism, Apocalyptic, and the Book of Revelation
Prospects: teaching, graduate studies, counselling, social services, ministry and other professional programs...
Offered in English and French. See "Sciences religieuses" on French side of Calendar.
Admission requirements
Ontario secondary schools
- 1 grade 12 4U English
- 5 other grade 12 4U/M courses
See Admissions for other requirements.
General information
The Joint Department of Religious Studies is comprised of three distinct Departments of Religious Studies operated, respectively, by the University of Sudbury (S), Huntington University (H) and Thorneloe University (T), on the Laurentian campus. Each of these departments contributes to the Religious Studies program.
Any courses offered by the Joint Department of Religious Studies may be applied to a program in single or combined concentration or specialization, or as electives. The only exception are courses in Biblical Greek and Hebrew, which may count as electives, but are not to be included as concentration or specialization credits.
Students in the 4-year specialized program must choose their courses according to university regulations and in consultation with the department. The program must include at least 60 credits in Religious Studies. In 2nd and 3rd year, students must take the equivalent of at least 36 credits, including at least 6 credits from each of the three areas. To take a 4th-year course, students must have completed the designated prerequisite courses.
Students may take courses in either French or English to complete their degree requirements, and may take only one 1st-year (6 cr) course in Religious Studies.
Before planning a program in Religious Studies, students should refer to the general regulations pertaining to academic programs.
Programs
Course descriptions