Religious Studies
Wondering about the beliefs and practices of the world's many religions? How do religions shape and respond to human history, culture, society and politics? What human needs do religious symbols and rituals fulfil? What do different styles of religious dress and behaviour mean to the people who adopt them? If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions, the Department of Religious Studies should be on your list of courses and programs to consider.
Religious studies is the scientific exploration of religion. It neither upholds a particular set of religious beliefs, nor seeks to debunk any of them. Rather it strives to understand religion and religious claims. How do different religions understand human existence or the nature and purpose of this world? What ideals for human behaviour do different religions teach? What are the highest goals for the individual and society? We explore the answers given by western religions like Christianity, Islam and Judaism and eastern religions like Buddhism, Confucianism and Hinduism and some of the world's newer religious movements too.
One of the most asked questions about religious studies is, "What can I do with it?" Two obvious answers are the church and the school system. But there are many careers where knowledge of religion is valuable, especially those that deal with other peoples and other cultures. Careers in diplomatic services, international trade and commerce, health care, legal and social work and the media all benefit from knowing the religious sensitivities of other peoples and cultures.
Memorial University of Newfoundland is one of the best places in Canada to study religion. With 10 full-time professors, Memorial's Department of Religious Studies is one of the largest in the country. Indeed, it's the largest English-speaking program east of Montreal. Our facilities are superb as well. In addition to one of the nation's largest libraries, we have the archives of The Religion in Newfoundland and Labrador Collection. Simply put, if you have any questions about anything religious, we have the resources to explore them.
Sample first-year program for students interested in studying religious studies:
| Fall Semester | Winter Semester |
| Religious Studies 1000, 1010, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1032 or 1200 | Religious Studies 1000, 1010, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1032 or 1200 |
| English 1080 (or 1020) | English 1101, 1102, 1103 or 1110 (or 1021) |
| A course in a second language | A course in a second language |
| A research & writing course | A research & writing course |
| A numeracy/science course | A numeracy/science course |
| A course in minor subject | A course in minor subject |
Religious Studies 1000
The Religions of the World is an introduction to the basic beliefs and practices of the world's great religions.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Note: Credit may not be obtained for both Religious Studies 1000 and the former Religious Studies 2010.
Religious Studies 1010
Religion in the Modern World is an introduction to some of the major issues confronting religion in the modern world. The focus will be on such topics as globalization and religion, religious faith and violence, freedom and authority.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1020
Christianity in Western Civilization is an introduction to Christianity and its place in the history of Western civilization through examples from Early Christianity, the Reformation and the Modern Period.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1021
Apocalypse: The End Times in Thought, Action and Imagination will explore the many ways in which Judaism and Christianity have anticipated and imagined the end times. Attention will be given to Jewish and early Christian notions of the Messiah and his reign, the end of the world and the impending judgment, as well as how Christianity has coped repeatedly with the delay of the end and how millennial thought and action have affected people during periods of social and natural crises. The role of millennial expectations in our modern era and why the apocalypse is once again a powerful image in religion, film and literature will also be covered.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1022
Jesus in Film is a study of how Jesus is represented in modern film. The course explores the continuing impact that the Jesus of history and faith has had on modern Western culture. The course will examine such films as The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Robe, The Gospel According to St. Matthew (by Pasolini), Jesus Christ Superstar, Jesus of Montreal, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Life of Brian, The Passion of the Christ, The Newfoundland Passion (video of the Squires' Paintings).
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1032
Introduction to Asian Religions and Culture is a broadly based survey course introducing students to the religions, culture and societies of Asia. Traditions explored may include those of India (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism), China (Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism), Japan (Shinto, Zen Buddhism) and Korea.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1040
Introduction to Chinese (Mandarin) I will introduce students to the basics of Chinese vocabulary, characters and grammar. Mandarin Chinese, the official dialect of China, Taiwan and Singapore, will be taught. This course is not intended for native speakers.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1041
Introduction to Chinese (Mandarin) II is a continuation of Religious Studies 1040. At the end of this course students should know over a hundred Chinese characters, which should enable them to read basic texts and carry on a simple conversation. This course is not intended for native speakers.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Religious Studies 1040
Note: Religious Studies 1040 and 1041 may be used to satisfy the second language requirement of the bachelor of arts degree.
Religious Studies 1050
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew I is designed to introduce students to the elements of Biblical Hebrew in order to prepare them for reading the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in the original language. The emphasis will be upon learning the basic grammar and syntax of Biblical Hebrew.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Religious Studies 1051
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew II is a continuation of Religious Studies 1050. The emphasis will be upon the reading of selected Hebrew texts.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Religious Studies 1050
Note: Religious Studies 1050 and 1051 may be used to satisfy the second language requirement of the bachelor of arts degree.
Religious Studies 1200
The Bible in Western Religion and Culture is an introduction to the Bible and its impact on literature, art, film and music in western culture. This course explores both the basic story line, characters and themes in the Bible and the Bible's foundational role in the depiction and development of western culture.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
