Faculty of Arts & ScienceReligious Studies

Why is religion so prevalent? Are all faiths 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?

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Why study religion?

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.

We encounter religion in many manifestations frequently on TV and the Internet: breathtaking mosques, colossal Buddhas, the Pope addressing huge crowds, brutal religious wars or unusual rituals.

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 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 Religious Studies 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.

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 ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Religious Studies Courses. As part of this program, courses are offered in the following areas:

The department also encourages you to complete coursework in various other complementary disciplines, such as anthropology, archaeology, English, history, Native American studies, philosophy and sociology. Religious studies courses are also open to those who simply wish to take a course or two in religious studies to simply expand their knowledge.

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.

Learn more about Religious Studies at uLethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/religiousstudies

Our Faculty & Their ResearchFaculty 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 of Religious Studies has been holding an annual conference for students to present their research. The conference features uLethbridge students, as well as students from a number of other universities.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:

Religious Studies at uLethbridge

• The Nature of Religiosity• Christianity in the Greco-

Roman Period• Ancient Greek Language• New Religious Movements in

North America • Indian Religion, Philosophy

& Culture • Medieval & Modern Hinduism • The Hindu Great Goddess Durga

• The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)

• Japanese Religion & Culture• Modern Buddhism • Early Islamic Theology &

Philosophy• Early Sufism• Islamic Responses to

Religious Diversity• Buddhism in the West

• The Hindu Tradition• The Buddhist Tradition• East Asian Religions• Ancient Religions & Mythology• Christianity

• Comparative Religions• Islam• Judaism• The Bible

“Faculty members in the department have piqued my interest in wanting to further explore the role that religion plays in today’s global society.”- Sumaiya, BA (Co-op) ‘12

Remove misunderstanding — study Religion.

Your Future ProspectsSkills 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 cultural norms and value systems. All of these abilities are highly sought after and can be applied to practically any working scenario.

Related Fields. There are numerous career options open to religious studies graduates, some of which are:

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 post-graduate success.

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

Discover uLethbridge and apply today, visit

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• Counseling• Human Resources• Civil Service• Religious Organizations• Humanitarian Aid• Museum Curation • Genealogist

• Artist• Demographer• Clergy• Archivist• Creative Writer• Diplomatic Corp• Public Relations

University of Lethbridge4401 University DriveLethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403 380 1894religious.studies@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/religiousstudies

Academic AdvisingSU060Students’ Union Building403 329 5106artsci.advising@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

Applied StudiesApplied Studies is a special opportunity offered to all uLethbridge students as a way to 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 on Applied Studies, visit:ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-op Education & InternshipsThe Faculty of Arts & Science is proud to offer you the chance to participate in our co-op program — the only one of its kind in Alberta to offer co-op to all majors in arts and science. 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 on Co-operative Education & Internships, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop/artsci

Research & Independent StudiesIn addition to your regular courses, you have the opportunity to participate in Independent Studies. You’re able to contribute to departmental activities by volunteering on research projects or through 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. There are field school opportunities available in some disciplines, as well as many opportunities to study abroad.

For current research or independent studies opportunities, contact the department directly.

Put Your Knowledge to WorkWhether 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 programs 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.

Academic AdvisingYour 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

*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.

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