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University of Calgary Calendar 2015-2016 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION Course Descriptions R Religious Studies RELS
Religious Studies RELS

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Classics and Religion in the Faculty of Arts.

Religious Studies Table of Streams

For use in selecting courses to meet stream requirements:

Western Religions Nature of Religion Eastern Religions
201 200 203
300 205 303
301 309 307
302 331 310
305 333 312
353 335 313
357 338 314
367 339 316
369 341 317
383 343 319
385 344 320
387 345 322
389 346 323
469 348 325
477 349 327
484 363 329
  381 359
  397 445
  398 451
  417 453
  437 461
  439 Philosophy 335 
  444  
  447  
  463  
  479  
  Philosophy 331  
   Philosophy 527  

Religious Studies 373, 399, 491, and 595 will be designated as Western, Eastern or Nature of Religion depending on the topic covered. Religious Studies 377, 577, and 590 are not counted in any of the three streams.

Notes:

  • To request "consent of the Department", students should contact the Department Undergraduate Program Support at rels@ucalgary.ca.
  • The Department of Classics and Religion's policy is to consider requests for prerequisite waivers no earlier than one month prior to the start of a term.
Junior Courses
Religious Studies 200       Religious Myths and Worldviews 
Readings (in English translation) from the classical literatures of middle Eastern and Asian religions. Introduction to the evolving mythological traditions from three geo-cultural centres (the middle East, India, and China) by examining religious themes: cosmology; existential values and goals; destinies of humans, the world, and the cosmos.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 201       Jews, Christians and Muslims
Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 203       Asian Religions
Introduction to Eastern religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 205       Religion and The Good Life
An introduction to the academic study of religion with particular emphasis on the nature of religion, its role as a response to existential questions, and the relationship of religion to contemporary thought and culture.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Religious Studies 205 and 350 will not be allowed.
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Senior Courses
Religious Studies 300       Classical Hebrew I
Classical or Biblical Hebrew language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient texts. No attempt will be made to provide any competence in medieval or modern Hebrew.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 207)
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Religious Studies 301       Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
An introduction to the critical study and reading of the books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in English translation. The course focuses on the Bible as religious literature.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 302       Classical Hebrew II
Continuation of Religious Studies 300.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 300.
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 209)
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Religious Studies 303       Introduction to Hinduism
The history, textual traditions, schools and sectarian traditions of Hinduism.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 305       Greek Religion
A survey of religious beliefs and practices in the pre-Christian Greek World.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Greek and Roman Studies 205, 209, Religious Studies 201, or 205.
Also known as:
(Greek and Roman Studies 305)
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Religious Studies 307       Popular Hinduism
An introductory survey of the contemporary practices of Hinduism in South Asia and in diaspora Hindu communities throughout the world. Focusing on recent ethnographic research, the course examines the diversity of popular Hindu practices with special attention to differences defined by region, language, caste, and gender. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, the structure of social and family life, the organization of sacred space and time, ritual practices, and the influence and impact of modernity in Hindu life.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 309       Religious Experience
A study of philosophical and psychological theories of the nature and function of religious experiences and an introduction to a variety of religious experiences, which may include theophany, mysticism, enlightenment, conversion, and guilt.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 310       Sanskrit I
Classical Sanskrit language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient Hindu or Buddhist texts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 211)
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Religious Studies 312       Sanskrit II
Continuation of Religious Studies 310.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 310.
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 213)
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Religious Studies 313       Introduction to Buddhism
Buddhist developments from the time of Buddha to the development of Mahayana.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 314       Tibetan I
Classical Tibetan language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient Bon and Buddhist texts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 215)
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Religious Studies 316       Tibetan II
Continuation of Religious Studies 314.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 314.
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 217)
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Religious Studies 317       Religion in South Asia
An in-depth survey of the religious traditions of the Indian sub-continent. Special attention will be given to the long history of religious pluralism and recent communal conflicts in South Asia. The course will cover religious traditions that have come to South Asia from other parts of the world (primarily Islam, but also Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Baha’i).
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 319       Esoteric Buddhism
The development of Vajrayana, Tantric and other esoteric traditions of Buddhismin India, Tibet, China, Japan and in the West from medieval times to the present.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 320       Classical Chinese for Religious Texts I
Introduction to Classical Chinese language, with emphasis on developing the ability to read ancient Chinese religious texts.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 219)
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Religious Studies 322       Classical Chinese for Religious Texts II
Continuation of Religious Studies 320.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 320.
Also known as:
(formerly Religious Studies 221)
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Religious Studies 323       Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana developments in India, China, Tibet or Japan.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 325       Female Saints, Images and Sacred Figures in World Religions
Feminine images in religions such as goddesses, women as saintly persons, the ultimate in female symbols.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 327       Tibetan Religious Traditions
The religious developments in Tibet, with emphasis on religious history, literature and philosophy and their contemporary implications.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 329       Buddhism in East Asia
The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of Buddhism in China and Japan.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 331       Religious Perspectives on Suffering
An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature and causes of human suffering.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 333       Religious Perspectives on Death and Afterlife
An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature of death and life after death.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 335       Ritual and Religion
A major form of religious expression is the various practices and rituals performed by individuals and the community. Various ritual theories and approaches will be examined along with different examples of religious ritual expressions.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 338       Atheism
A consideration of various historical and thematic critiques of religion, including the development of modern agnosticism, atheism and in recent times, the ‘new atheism’.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 339       Transformations of Religion in Africa
Nature of religion through a study of religious transformations in Africa.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 341       New Religious Movements
An examination of the beliefs, practices and developments of new religious movements of both Eastern and Western origins (e.g. Krishna Consciousness, Transcendental Meditation, Unification Church, Children of God, etc.).
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 343       Religion and Social Morality
Critical examination of social theories of religion and religious perspectives on ethical issues of social, economic, and political consequence in contemporary cultures.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 344       The Bible as Literature
An exploration of the various literary genres that make up the sixty-six books of the Bible, understood as a compilation of human literature reflecting millennia of communal struggle, vision, and engaged reception.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 345       God and Transcendence
Comparative and theoretical discussion of various traditions, Eastern and Western, regarding the object of religious belief and devotion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 346       Chaos, Demons and Monsters
An examination of religious depictions of supernatural evil agents and forces in the light of their role in the experience of good/evil, suffering/happiness, and existence/death.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 348       Religion, Empire and Colonialism
An examination of the complex interplay of religious traditions and imperial projects. The development of religion in response to engagement with other cultures, religions and traditions brought on by colonialism, as well as the religious construction and categorization of these others, will be considered through comparative, historical, literary and/or thematic lenses. Modern responses to colonialism as well as discussions of multiculturalism and immigration may be discussed as they relate to religion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 349       Religion and Politics
A study of the complex relationship between religion and politics, including nationalism and political religions. Topics may include the origin of apartheid in South Africa, Black Theology, the rise of the New Christian Right in America, Hindu and Islamic political movements, and various forms of Fascism including the Nazi movement.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 353       Islam in the Modern World
Reform, revivalist and sectarian movements and significant thinkers in Modern Islam.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 357       Islam
A survey of the basic religious ideas, texts, figures, and practices in Islam, including their historical development.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 359       East Asian Religious Traditions
The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of traditions including Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Buddhism is not considered.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 363       Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion
Comparative study of philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 367       Comparative Studies in Western Religions
A comparative and critical examination of a specific topic within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Possible topics include: Material Culture, Pilgrimage, and Scriptural Exegesis.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Notes:
May be counted only twice towards the Major Field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 369       Introduction to Judaism
An introduction to the major practices, beliefs, institutions and religious literature of the Jewish religion, as developed from antiquity to modern times.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 373       Topics in Religious Studies
Topics may include an overview of a specific religious tradition, an examination of religious expressions in a particular context, a thematic study of a religion or religions, or a methodological approach to the study of religion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 377       Research and Critical Inquiry in Religious Studies
Systematic instruction in research methods, academic writing, and the practice of critical analysis in the field of Religious Studies. Besides practical instruction, students will be introduced to a variety of methods and theories used in the academic study of religion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Notes:
Open only to Religious Studies minors, majors and Honours students and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.
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Religious Studies 381       Gender, Sex and Religion
An examination of the complex interrelationship between understandings and constructions of gender, sexuality and Religion as they arise in the context of several religious traditions.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for both Religious Studies 381 and 373.09 will not be allowed.
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Religious Studies 383       From Jesus to Christ: 100 BCE-200 CE
Study of formative Christianity in its political, social and religious contexts with particular attention to its origins within Second Temple Judaism.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 385       Paganism and Christianity: 200-800 CE
Examination of social, economic, cultural, religious and political factors that influenced the evolution of early Christian identities as expressed through doctrine, rituals, practices, clerical structures and scripture.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 387       Scholastics, Mystics and Reformers: Christianity 800-1600 CE
An overview of medieval Christianity and of various renaissance and early modern Protestant and Catholic Reform movements.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 389       Modern Christianity: 1600 - Present
An overview of the Christian response to modernity, from the early modern and enlightenment periods through to the contemporary period.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 397       Religion and Science
The relationship between religion and science with emphasis on contemporary discussions regarding the intersection of religious thought and theories in the natural sciences.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 398       Religion and the Environment
Consideration of issues of public environmental concern from the perspectives of religious studies and ethics. Possible topics include climate change, water depletion, environmental pollution, animal stresses, species/ecosystem decimation, and the climate refugee problem.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
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Religious Studies 399       Religion in Popular Culture
The intersection of religion with popular culture is explored through specific topics.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Notes:
May be counted only once towards the major field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 417       Recent Religious Thought
Detailed examination of a selected writer, topic, or intellectual current in recent religious thought. Possible topics include process thought, liberation theology, post-Holocaust theology, and existentialism.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
At least one 300-level Nature of Religion course (see Table of Streams at beginning of Department offerings).
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 437       Hermeneutics
Significance of the hermeneutical tradition for an understanding of religious issues and traditions with attention to the thought of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Husserl, Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur among others.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any 300-level Religious Studies course.
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Religious Studies 439       Advanced Studies in New Religious Movements
Detailed study of selected topics in New Religious Movements.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 341.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 444       Existentialism
An examination of existentialist thinkers from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, contextualizing their work within both modernity and theist/atheist discourses.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
At least one 300-level Religious Studies course.
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Religious Studies 445         Advanced Studies in Asian Thought
A critical examination of Asian philosophical and religious thinkers.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Philosophy 335 or at least one 300-level Religious Studies course.
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Religious Studies 447       Theories of Religion
A critical examination of various theories used in the academic study of religion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 377 plus one other 300-level Religious Studies course.
Notes:
Only open to Religious Studies major and Honours students and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.
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Religious Studies 451       Advanced Studies in Hinduism
In-depth study of the historical developments of Hinduism (Vedic, Classical, Medieval, Modern) in a seminar or independent study format.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 303 or 307.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 453       Advanced Studies in Buddhism
A seminar course that focuses on selected traditions, or philosophical or historical themes, such as Madhyamaka, Yogacara, T'ien T'ai, Hua Yen, Zen, Pure Land, Nyingma, Kargyud, Abhidharma, Tathagatagarbha, and Dhyana.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Religious Studies 313, 319, 323, 327, 329.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 461       Advanced Studies in East Asian Religions
A seminar course that focuses on selected topics related to the Confucian, Taoist or Shinto tradition. Buddhism is not considered.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 359.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 463       Advanced Topics in Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion
Advanced comparative study of selected philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any 300-level Religious Studies course.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 469       Advanced Studies in Judaism
Selected topics in Jewish practices, institutions, beliefs and religious literature. Possible topics include: Jewish Movements of the Second Temple Era; Jewish Rituals and Observances; Midrash and Jewish Biblical Interpretation; Law and Religion in Judaism; Jewish Philosophy and Theology; Judaism in the Modern World; Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 369.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 477       Further Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Selected readings, in English translation, from the three major divisions (Pentateuch, Prophets, and Writings) of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Covers topics such as creation, miracles in Egypt, ark of the covenant, sacrifice, prophecies of the Bible, and biblical views of death and immortality.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 301.
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Religious Studies 479       Contemporary Issues in Women and Religion
A topical examination of developments in current research in such areas as: gender theory, post-colonialism, philosophy and religion, feminist theology, feminist evaluation of traditional religious structures, or interdisciplinary work in the reconstruction of women's religiosity.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Any 300-level Religious Studies course.
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Religious Studies 484       Advanced Studies in Christianity

A seminar course examining topics, personalities and movements in Christianity from its origins to its modern and contemporary developments.


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Religious Studies 383, 385, 387, or 389.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 491       Reading Religious Texts in Primary Languages
Study of religious texts in original languages such as Hebrew, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese or Japanese.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
One of Religious Studies 302, 312, 316 or 322.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 577       Senior Project Seminar
Students will complete an independent research project on a topic within their area of concentration in Religious Studies and present their research in a seminar setting.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 377 and 6 units (1.0 full-course equivalent) at the 400 or 500 level in Religious Studies.
Notes:
Open only to Religious Studies majors and students registered in combined programs with Religious Studies.
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Religious Studies 590       Honours Thesis
Students compose a major research paper under the close supervision of a member of the Department and defend the thesis before an examining committee.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(0-3T)
Prerequisite(s):
Religious Studies 377 and 6 units (1.0 full-course equivalent) at the 400 or 500 level in Religious Studies.
Notes:
Open only to students registered in the Religious Studies Honours program.
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Religious Studies 595       Directed Independent Study
Advanced study of a particular topic under the direction of a faculty member. Qualified students will be supervised through a session of independent study.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3T-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Completion of 6 units (1.0 full-course equivalent) in Religious Studies at the 300 level and 3 units (0.5 full-course equivalent) in Religious Studies at the 400 level and consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Graduate Courses
Religious Studies 601       Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 603       Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 605       Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 607       Supervised Master's Thesis Inquiry

Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-3T)
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Religious Studies 609       Selected Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion
Selected topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 681       Specialized Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 683       Specialized Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 685       Specialized Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 701       Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 703       Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 705       Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Religious Studies 707       PhD Departmental Colloquium

Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Religious Studies 709       Advanced Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion
Advanced topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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