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Program Requirements
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.
There are no prerequisites for entry to the program. Students must, however, maintain a program GPA and a CGPA of 3.00 (or 3.50 for First Class Honours).
While gaining general knowledge of the study of religion, students also develop more concentrated expertise in either the Western Religions or Asian Religions option.
The requirements set out below pertain to the Asian Religions option.
Required Courses (9 credits)
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RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity and Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the beliefs, practices, and religious institutions of these three world religions.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Warren, Meredith; Fletcher, Charles Douglas; Kirkpatrick, Patricia (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 456 Theories of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The history of the academic study of religion from its beginnings in the 19th century until the present. Key texts by figures such as Max Muller, Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Mircea Eliade, Claude Levi-Strauss and Clifford Geertz will be studied.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Kanaris, Jim (Fall) Kanaris, Jim (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Restriction: For Religious Studies Majors and Honours students or with permission of the Chair of the Religious Studies B.A. Committee
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RELG 555 Honours Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Current trends in the study of religion, including the approaches of critical theory, feminism, post-modernism, and post-colonialism.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Kanaris, Jim (Winter)
Winter
Restriction: For Religious Studies Honours students or with permission of the Chair of the Religious Studies B.A. Committee
Complementary Courses (51 credits)
51 credits selected with the following specifications:
3 credits introductory courses on Asian Religious Traditions
6 credits of Scriptural Languages related to Asian religious traditions (selected in consultation with the Program Adviser)
9 credits of courses on Religion and Culture
12 credits from the list of Approved Courses from Other Departments, of which at least 6 credits must be related to Western Religions
21 credits chosen from courses on Asian Religions, of which 3 credits must be a 500-level research seminar
Introductory - Asian Religious Traditions
3 credits from:
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RELG 252 Hinduism and Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The interaction of Hinduism and Buddhism in India with special reference to the law of Karma, caste, women, ritual, death, yoga, and liberation. Determination of interpretative principles for understanding the religious psychology of Hindus and Buddhists.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E; Kachroo, Meera Jo (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 253 Religions of East Asia (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Harmony with nature, society, and cosmos to be explored through the religions of the Far East (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Shinto).
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Hori, G (Winter)
Winter
Asian Religions - Scriptural Languages
6 credits of scriptural languages (Sanskrit, Tamil or Tibetan) chosen in consultation with the Program Adviser.
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RELG 257D1 Introductory Sanskrit (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : To develop basic language and reading skills.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: McCann, Erin (Fall)
Students must register for both RELG 257D1 and RELG 257D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 257D1 and RELG 257D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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RELG 257D2 Introductory Sanskrit (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : See RELG 257D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: McCann, Erin (Winter)
Prerequisite: RELG 257D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 257D1 and RELG 257D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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RELG 264 Introductory Tibetan 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the language of Classical Tibetan, specifically Tibetan script and basic grammar.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Troughton, Thomas (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 265 Introductory Tibetan 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A continuation of the introduction to the language of Classical Tibetan, specifically Tibetan script and basic grammar.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Troughton, Thomas (Winter)
Winter
Prerequisite: RELG 264
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RELG 266 Introductory Tamil 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : An introduction to the basic grammar and syntax of Tamil, a classical and modern language from South India. Students will acquire basic skills in reading, writing and speaking Tamil.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 267 Introductory Tamil 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Advanced basic grammar and syntax of Tamil, a classical and modern language from South India. Students will acquire basic skills in reading, writing and speaking Tamil.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: RELG 266
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RELG 357D1 Sanskrit 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Advanced grammar and vocabulary with readings in epic and similar texts.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: McCann, Erin (Fall)
Prerequisite: RELG 257 or permission of the instructor
Students must register for both RELG 357D1 and RELG 357D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 357D1 and RELG 357D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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RELG 357D2 Sanskrit 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : See RELG 357D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: McCann, Erin (Winter)
Prerequisite: RELG 357D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 357D1 and RELG 357D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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RELG 364 Intermediate Tibetan 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Advanced Tibetan grammar, and translation of selected Tibetan texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Fall
Prerequisite: RELG 265 or permission of the instructor.
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RELG 365 Intermediate Tibetan 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Continuation of advanced Tibetan grammar and translation of selected Tibetan texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: RELG 364 or permission of the instructor.
-
RELG 464 Advanced Tibetan 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Translation of specially selected Tibetan texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Fall
Prerequisite: RELG 365 or permission of instructor.
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RELG 465 Advanced Tibetan 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Continuation of translation of specially selected Tibetan texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: RELG 464 or permission of the instructor.
Religion and Culture
9 credits selected from:
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RELG 256 Women in Judaism and Islam (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The role of women in Judaism and Islam from the point of view of institutionalized religious traditions and of women's religious subjectivity; how women's spiritual and social roles within their religious traditions are shaped by Revealed Law, Holy Text and the Authority of Interpretation. Comparative sociology of religion approach.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Summer
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RELG 270 Religious Ethics and the Environment (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Environmental potential of various religious traditions and secular perspectives, including animal rights, ecofeminism, and deep ecology.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Rosenberg, Eliza (Fall) Rosenberg, Eliza (Winter)
Fall: Macdonald Campus (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue). Winter: Downtown Campus.
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RELG 271 Sexual Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of the social construction of sexual identity and of selected issues regarding sexual behaviour.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Cere, Daniel M (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 338 Women and the Christian Tradition (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Survey of women's involvement in the Christian tradition. Topics include feminist interpretation of scripture, ideas of virginity, marriage and motherhood, mysticism, asceticisms, European witchhunts, contemporary women's liberation theories.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Marr, Lucille (Fall)
Fall
Core course for the Women's Studies Minor program
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RELG 339 Gender & Sexuality in Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Religious perspectives on the body, gender and sexual activity in Buddhist cultures.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Core course for the Women's Studies Minor program
Prerequisite: RELG 252 or permission of the instructor
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RELG 340 Religion and the Sciences (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Philosophies of science and of religion have created a more positive dialogue on questions of method, symbolism and rationality. Examines key issues (e.g. creation and evolution; objectivity and involvement; determinism and freedom) raised by natural and social sciences, and various possible solutions.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Kanaris, Jim (Fall)
Fall and Summer
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RELG 341 Introduction: Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Introduction to the subject. Faith and reason, theistic arguments, values and destiny, the problem of evil, religious language.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Green, Garth (Fall)
Fall
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RELG 345 Religion and the Arts 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Topics of current interest in Religion and the Arts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 347 Topics in Religion and the Arts (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Topics in religion and the arts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 355 Religion and the Arts 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Topics of current interest in Religion and the Arts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 361 Religious Behaviour (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of the psychological origins of religion, of some aspects of the religious life (e.g. prayer, conversion, mystical experiences), and of some contemporary religious phenomena (e.g. marginal religious groups, the charismatic movement, glossolalia). The views of Freud and Jung are also considered.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
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RELG 370 Religion and Human Rights (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Social justice and human rights issues as key aspects of modem religious ethics. Topics include: the relationship of religion to the modem human rights movement; religious perspectives on the universality of human rights; the scope and limits of religious freedom; conflicts between religion and rights.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Waind, Jonathan (Winter)
Winter
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RELG 371 Ethics of Violence/Non-Violence (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Forms of violence and the reaction of religious groups are assessed both for their effectiveness and for their fidelity to their professed beliefs. Different traditions, ranging from the wholesale adoption of violent methods (e.g., the Crusades) to repudiation (e.g., Gandhi; the Peace Churches).
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Summer
-
RELG 373 Topics in Christian Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Selected topics in Christian ethics. Topic varies by year.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Fiasse, Gaelle (Winter)
Winter
-
RELG 375 Religion, Politics and Society (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of contemporary religious traditions in the light of debates regarding secularization, the relation of religion and politics, and the interaction of religion with major social institutions.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Cere, Daniel M (Fall)
Fall
Restriction: U2 and U3 students
-
RELG 376 Religious Ethics (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A discussion of ethical theory will provide the background for an analysis of the relationship between religious world views and moral reason. Attention will be given to the way in which the dominant religious traditions view the exemplars of religious virtue, and to how the virtues exemplified are related to and justified by the faith tradition in which they operate.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 377 Religious Controversies (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A comparative survey of types and topics of argumentation developed in the literature of controversy. Texts discussed include disputations, missionary sermons and polemical treatises.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Approved Courses from Other Departments
12 credits of Approved Courses from Other Departments, of which at least 6 credits must be related to Western Religions.
This list is NOT comprehensive. Students may take approved related courses in other departments of the Faculty of Arts, such as Anthropology, Art History, Classics, English, History, Italian Studies, Philosophy, and Sociology selected in consultation with the Program Adviser.
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EAST 354 Taoist and Buddhist Apocalypses (3 credits)
Overview
Asian Language & Literature : Visions of the end of the world in Medieval Chinese Buddhist and Taoist literature will be contrasted with Western apocalyptic materials. The course will trace the development of Buddhism and Taoism in China, focusing on millennarian movements, soteriology, public worship, and ritual.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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EAST 551 Technologies of Self in Early China (3 credits)
Overview
Asian Language & Literature : Readings on self-cultivation drawn from Confucian, Legalist, and Taoist philosophic texts of early China (5th-2nd centuries B.C.) in translation will be compared with historical and archaeological materials on the evolving construction of the "individual'' in Chinese social structure, military organization, political and ritual codes.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Yates, Robin (Fall)
Prerequisite (Undergraduate): One advanced course in EAST or permission of the instructor
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ISLA 410 History: Middle-East 1798-1918 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
3 hours
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ISLA 411 History: Middle-East 1918-1945 (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The impact of WWI on Middle Eastern society and politics; the British and French mandates; the growth of nationalisms, revolutions and the formation of national states; WW II and the clash of political interests within the region.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
3 hours
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ISLA 511D1 History: Islamic Civilization - Mediaeval Era (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : The Seljuks, and the medieval synthesis. The Moors in Spain and North Africa. The Crusades. The Mongols and the destruction of the Baghdad Caliphate. The Mamluk, Persian, Turkish and Indian Empires until 1700.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Fall)
3 hours
Students must register for both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ISLA 511D2 History: Islamic Civilization - Mediaeval Era (3 credits)
Overview
Islamic Studies : See ISLA 511D1 for course description.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Winter)
Prerequisite: ISLA 511D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 511D1 and ISLA 511D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
-
JWST 211 Jewish Studies 1: Biblical Period (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The history, literature and beliefs of Judaism's formative period. Both Biblical and non-Biblical materials will be studied. The Bible in the context of cognate literatures of the Ancient Near East; non-Biblical documents will be analysed for their bearing on the Jewish tradition.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Abecassis, Deborah (Fall)
All texts will be read in English
-
JWST 252 Interdisciplinary Lectures (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Interdisciplinary lectures in Jewish studies. Topic varies by year.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Hundert, Gershon (Winter)
-
JWST 316 Social and Ethical Issues Jewish Law 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : A brief introduction to the nature and history of Jewish law. Topics include: redemption of hostages; abortion; death and dying.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Hundert, Daniel Leib (Winter)
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JWST 359 Topics in Jewish Philosophy 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Topics in Jewish philosophy. Topic varies by year.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Kaplan, Lawrence (Winter)
All texts in English
The following approved courses offered by Jewish Studies require a reading knowledge of Hebrew:
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JWST 330 A Book of the Bible (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : One book of the Bible will be studied in its entirety in Hebrew. Emphasis on the contributions of Ancient Near Eastern Studies (archaeology, comparative literature and Semitic linguistics) to understanding the text.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew
-
JWST 345 Introduction to Rabbinic Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : An introduction to the study of Rabbinic texts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
All readings in English
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JWST 510 Jewish Bible Interpretation 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The issues, approaches, and texts of Jewish Bible interpretation between the Biblical and Talmudic eras: Bible interpretation in the Bible; in Greco-Roman Jewish literature; in the Mishnah, Tosefta, Targumim, and Talmudim; early Samaritan interpretation, Bible interpretation in ancient synagogue art, and in the massoretic literature.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Abecassis, Deborah (Fall)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 512
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JWST 511 Jewish Bible Interpretation 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The issues, problems, approaches, and texts of Jewish Bible interpretation in medieval, renaissance, early modern, and modern times. Interpretation in the Geonic, Ashkenazi, Sefardic, North African, Italian, European, Yemenite, North American and Israeli centres of Jewish Learning.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 512
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JWST 543 Maimonides as Parshan (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : Biblical Interpretation in the Guide of the Perplexed and related writings.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Requires Departmental approval
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 540
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JWST 573 History of Hebrew Bible Text (3 credits)
Overview
Jewish Studies : The text of the Hebrew Bible as it evolved between antiquity and the most recent printed edition. Attention will be given to the accurate reconstruction of the Bible from primary and secondary witnesses: Greek and Aramic translations, Dead Sea Scrolls, and ancient quotations, and the Massoretic notes and lists.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite (Undergraduate): permission of instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken JWST 507
Asian Religions
21 credits chosen from the list below, 3 credits of which must be a 500-level research seminar.
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EAST 354 Taoist and Buddhist Apocalypses (3 credits)
Overview
Asian Language & Literature : Visions of the end of the world in Medieval Chinese Buddhist and Taoist literature will be contrasted with Western apocalyptic materials. The course will trace the development of Buddhism and Taoism in China, focusing on millennarian movements, soteriology, public worship, and ritual.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
-
RELG 337 Themes in Buddhist Studies (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A focused examination of major themes within a branch of Theravada, Mahayana or Vajrayana Buddhism. Emphasis will be placed on both the close study of primary texts (in translation) in historical context and the application of recent methods to fundamental Buddhist concepts, ritual practices and community institutions.
Terms: Summer 2013
Instructors: Jones, Ryan; Troughton, Thomas (Summer)
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RELG 339 Gender & Sexuality in Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Religious perspectives on the body, gender and sexual activity in Buddhist cultures.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Core course for the Women's Studies Minor program
Prerequisite: RELG 252 or permission of the instructor
-
RELG 342 Theravada Buddhist Literature (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The evolution of doctrines, practices and institutions explored through critical survey of Pali Canon (in translation), focusing on the dialogues of Gotama Buddha and his community during its first five centuries and on the historical accounts contained in the codes of monastic discipline.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: RELG 252 or permission of instructor
- RELG 344 Mahayana Buddhism (3 credits)
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RELG 348 Classical Hinduism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The study of classical Hindu values in historical context with reference to the goals and stages of life, traditional Hindu laws, ethics (including biomedical ethics), axiology and moral dilemmas in the Epics, gender differences, notions of orthodoxy, and the expansion of Hinduism.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: RELG 252 or permission of the instructor
-
RELG 350 Bhakti Hinduism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Foundation of theism in the Upanisads, Epics, Gita and puranas; image worship and temple religion in the Agamas; Vaisnavism, Saivism, Saktism, and competition with Buddhism and Jainism; the relation of Bhakti and Tantra; interaction of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Dinnell, Darry (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: RELG 252 or permission of the instructor
-
RELG 352 Japanese Religions (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of early Shinto mythology, Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, Neo-Confucianism and its influence upon the resurgence of Shinto during the Tokugawa period, folk religion and the New Religions.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Hori, G (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: RELG 253 or permission of instructor
-
RELG 354 Chinese Religions (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : This course studies the Confucian classics, philosophical and religious Taoism, and Neo-Confucianism and also examines the syncresis between the Chinese religions and Indian Buddhism.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Fall
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RELG 356 Gender & Sexuality in Hinduism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Religious perspectives on the body, gender and sexual activity in Hindu cultures. Topics include: dharma and sexual practice; female sexuality; Bhakti and Tantra; same-sex relations; hijras; eroticism in the literary, visual, and performing arts; colonialism, Hindu nationalism, and the politics of gender.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: RELG 252 or Permission of the instructor.
-
RELG 369 Tibetan Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Buddhism has been central to Tibetan culture and identity since the 7th century CE. This course introduces key aspects of the history and practices of Tibetan Buddhism, including: early history, political and sectarian developments, the spread of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet, and the myth of "Shangri-La".
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Troughton, Thomas (Winter)
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RELG 372 Hindu Goddesses (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The mythology, theology, soteriology, history, ritual, and texts of the goddess-centred (Sakta) branches of Hinduism.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Kachroo, Meera Jo (Winter)
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RELG 442 Pure Land Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The concept of Buddha Countries and Pure Lands in Buddhism, the Western Pure Land of Amida (Jodokyo) and its basic scriptures, the Chinese Buddhist schools, the introduction to Japan and the foundation of the Pure Land school by Honen, the Pure Land School of Shinran and its development, and the other Pure Land related schools.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 451 Zen: Maxims and Methods (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Through the reading of such key Zen writings as The Platform Sutra and selections from Zen Masters Chinul of Korea and Dôgen of Japan, an attempt will be made to relate Zen anecdote to meditational practice.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Hori, G (Fall)
- RELG 452 East Asian Buddhism (3 credits)
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RELG 453 Vajrayana Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of the history, philosophy and practices of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: RELG 344.
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RELG 454 Modern Hindu Thought (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A study of the developments in religious thought with special reference to such thinkers as Ram Mohan Roy, Dayananda Saraswati, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tilak, Aurobindo, and Radhakrishnan.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: RELG 252
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RELG 545 Ramayana: Multiple Lives (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Focus on the Rama story in South Asia. Exploration of the multiple versions of the narrative from classical Sanskrit textual versions, to rural vernacular retellings, to contemporary TV versions, and examination of the various religious, social, cultural and political significations of the narrative in these contexts.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisite: RELG 252 Hinduism & Buddhism
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RELG 546 Indian Philosophy (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Introduction to the orthodox systems of Hindu Philosophy leading up to Vedanta i.e., Nyaya, Vaisesika, Sankhya, Yoga and Mimamsa, which will include discussion of such topics as: grounds for belief and disbelief in God, the nature of revelation, means of knowledge, etc.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions, philosophy of religion, philosophy, or permission of the instructor
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RELG 547 Special Topics in Hinduism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A research-oriented seminar dealing with topics in Hindu studies.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Soneji, Davesh (Fall) Soneji, Davesh (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions, philosophy of religion, philosophy, or permission of the instructor
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RELG 548 Indian Buddhist Philosophy (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The rise of buddhist schools of philosophy, especially the Theravada and Sauntrantika, as an attempt to systematize the canonical teachings and defend Buddhism against its critics.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
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RELG 549 Japanese Buddhist Philosophy (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Major figures of the Kyoto School of Buddhist philosophy (Nishida, Tanabe, Nishitani), emphasizing their intellectual debts to both modern European philosophy (Hegel, Neitzsche, Heidegger) and Mahayana Buddhism (Zen and Pure Land Buddhism).
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Hori, G (Winter)
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RELG 551 Special Topics in Buddhism (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A research-oriented seminar dealing with topics in Buddhist studies.
Terms: Fall 2012, Winter 2013
Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E (Fall) Cere, Daniel M (Winter)
Fall and Winter
Prerequisite: RELG 344 or Permission of instructor.
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RELG 552 Advaita Vedanta (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : The relation of Nyaya-Vaisesika and Mimamsa to Kevaladvaita with concentration on Sankara's Brahmasutrabhasya, Pada 1 and 2.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions
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RELG 553 Religions of South India 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Topics include: definitions of Tamil identity, the relation of akam to bhakti poetry, the theology of the Alvars and Nayanmars, inter-religious and sectarian competition, the motif of pilgrimage, questions of caste and women.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Prerequisite: 6 credits in Indian religions
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RELG 554 Religions of South India 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Analysis of the following: sampradaya; ubhayavedanta; comparison of Visistadvaita and Saiva Siddhanta with reference to selected themes that illustrate the Tamil contribution; the relationship of theology to the sociology of knowledge in Tamilnad.
Terms: Winter 2013
Instructors: Soneji, Davesh (Winter)
Prerequisite: RELG 553
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RELG 556 Issues in Buddhist Studies (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : A graduate seminar taught by the Numata Visiting Professor on critical issues in contemporary Buddhist Studies. Emphasis will be placed on the intensive application of different methods - philological, philosophical or social scientific - to some area of modern Buddhist research.
Terms: Fall 2012
Instructors: Park, Jin (Fall)
Fall
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
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RELG 559 Caste and Dalits: Historical and Political Perspectives (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : This seminar addresses religion, caste, and the Dalit community (formerly known as "untouchables" in India through a range of historical and ritual contexts. Topics include representation in the Hindu textual tradition, colonialism, conversion, caste-based violence, caste and nationalism, non-Brahmin political assertion, and the contemporary reservation system.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Winter
Prerequisites: RELG 252 and one 300 level course or higher in South Asian Religions
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RELG 560 Buddhist Poetry (3 credits)
Overview
Religious Studies : Since the time of Buddha, poetry has been used by Buddhist to express devotion, to compose philosophical treatises, and to communicate insight into the experience of awakening. The seminar's content will vary, treating the history, poetics, esthetics, roles and genres of Buddhist poetry in India, Tibet, China and Japan.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Faculty of Arts—2012-2013 (last updated Dec. 20, 2012) (disclaimer)
