Religious Studies | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Religious Studies

Explore new worlds Are all religions the same? What do they do for—and to—people?

Are you fascinated by different ways of life? Do you want to learn more about other ways of understanding what it means to be human? Then, the academic study of religion is for you.

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Despite many predictions, modernity has not diminished the religious impulse in people. Religious buildings are prominent in most communities, and we brush shoulders with people of many faiths at school and work.

Religion is a factor in many aspects of life, from global politics to local issues.

Religious viewpoints are at play in legal, educational, and ethical discussions in our society. Religion can unite and separate people.

Why NOT, then, study religion? It is clearly one of the most widespread of human activities. Understanding any society, past or present, requires understanding the religions of that society. Religious beliefs and practices are not self-explanatory and often are baffling to religious and non-religious people alike. Such misunderstanding can foster fear and intolerance.

Studying religion enhances our understanding of what it is to be human. It enables us to learn more about the diverse cultures of the world, their ancient histories and their highest values. While one may not discover the meaning of life by studying religion, one will learn how others have answered that perennial human question, and how those answers have shaped people’s lives and the lives of those around them.

The University of Lethbridge is a secular (non-religious) institution of learning. Such universities do not try to promote belief in any of the religions that we study. Rather, we attempt to study religion in as objective a manner as possible. Of course, each person faces challenges when trying to do so with neutrality, because we may have predispositions for or against particular religions, or toward religion in general.

In the discipline of religious studies, we work toward a heightened awareness of such biases that may distort our ability to understand religion with balance and impartiality.

Our explorations are wide-ranging, embracing the full compass of the human religious response, from the great world religions to marginal and quasi-religious phenomena, such as shamanism and magic.

We examine the history, social and cultural configurations, symbolism and literature, as well as theologies and metaphysical philosophies within belief systems. We look for shared themes and marked differences in myths and rituals and study how religion permeates even our secular lives. Quite significantly, we also scrutinize our own discipline, namely, why and how we study religion.

Religious Studies Degrees. The Department of History & Religion offers a major in religious studies for the 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. Alternatively, you can choose to do a general major in the humanities and select religious studies as one of your three streams. You can also opt for religious studies as your BA major for the Combined BA/BMgt program.

Religious Studies Courses. As part of this program, courses are offered in the following areas: • The Hindu Tradition • Judaism • The Buddhist Tradition • The Bible • Japanese Religions • Death • Chinese Religions • Religion and Film • Christianity • Religion, Worldviews, and Identity • Islam • Mysticism The department also encourages you to complete coursework in various other complementary disciplines, such as anthropology, archaeology, English, history, Indigenous studies, philosophy and sociology. Religious studies courses are also open to those who wish to take a course or two in religious studies to expand their knowledge.

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs. Add breadth and depth to virtually any program by adding the religious studies minor to your degree. Doing so will undoubtedly widen your view of the world and add a different perspective to whatever major you are pursuing. Learn more at go.uleth.ca/minors.

Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty members quite often involve undergraduate students in their research projects — that gives you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience. For over a decade, the department has been holding an annual conference for students to present their research. The conference features ULethbridge students, as well as students from several other universities.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • The Nature of Religiosity • • Christianity in the Greco-Roman • Period • • New Religious Movements in • North America • • Indian Religion, Philosophy & Culture • • Medieval & Modern Hinduism • • Japanese Religion & Culture • • Modern Buddhism

Buddhism in the West Religion and Violence Christian Pacifism Young Earth Creationism Islamic Theology and Philosophy Islamic Mysticism (Sufism) Islamic Art Orientalism & Post-Colonialism

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in the program, you will also develop your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. You’ll also gain an in-depth understanding of a variety of cultural norms and value systems. All of these abilities are highly sought after and can be applied to practically any working scenario.

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge!

Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to postgraduate success.

Related Fields. This major offers a good background in cross-cultural awareness for those interested in pursuing careers in a diversity of fields such as: • Counselling • Humanitarian Aid • Human Resources • Museum Curation • Civil Service • Communications • Non-profits and community• Human Rights Advocacy based organizations

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in religious studies also provides an excellent foundation for law, journalism and education.

Remove misunderstanding — study Religion.

“The religious studies and psychology departments have given me so many opportunities to study things of deep personal interest and allowed me the methodological freedom to study these things in the ways that I find most relevant. The professors I’ve worked with have been unfailingly approachable and helpful.”

- Logan, Religious Studies/Psychology

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Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help.

Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op) ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers?

If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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Questions? Contact Student Recruitment and Enrolment Services at 403-320-5700 or inquiries@uleth.ca *This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.