Religious Studies

Program Overview

The University of Lethbridge's Religious Studies program offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse world religions, their histories, and their impact on human culture. Through core courses and electives, students gain a deep understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and their influence on society. The program prepares graduates for careers in fields such as counseling, human resources, and religious organizations, as well as further studies in law, journalism, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Description

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 you may not discover the meaning of life by studying religion, you 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; we 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 religious studies, our explorations are wide-ranging, embracing 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. You will study shared themes and marked differences in myths and rituals, and how religion permeates even our secular lives.

Objectives

• Enhance understanding of what it means to be human.
• Learn about diverse cultures of the world, their ancient histories, and their highest values.
• Understand how others have answered the perennial human question of the meaning of life.
• Examine history, social and cultural configurations, symbolism, and literature, as well as theologies and metaphysical philosophies within belief systems.
• Study shared themes and marked differences in myths and rituals, and how religion permeates even our secular lives.

Outline:

Course Schedule

The program consists of a combination of core courses and electives. Core courses provide a foundation in the study of religion, while electives allow students to explore their specific interests.

Core Courses

• Introduction to World Religions
• Bible Survey
• The Hindu Tradition
• Islam
• Judaism
• The Buddhist Tradition
• Religion, Worldviews, & Identity

Electives

Students can choose from a wide range of electives, including:

• Comparative Religion
• New Religious Movements
• Religion and Gender
• Religion and the Arts
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Social Change

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and are always willing to help students succeed. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and presentations. The faculty also encourages students to participate in research projects and to attend conferences.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Group projects
The faculty use a variety of criteria to assess student work, including:
• Knowledge of the subject matter
• Critical thinking skills
• Writing skills
• Oral communication skills
• Problem-solving skills

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers, including:

• Counseling
• Human Resources
• Civil Service
• Religious Organizations
• Humanitarian Aid
• Museum Curation
• Genealogist
• Artist
• Demographer
• Clergy
• Archivist
• Creative Writer
• Diplomatic Corp
• Public Relations
The program also provides a foundation for further studies in law, journalism, and education.