Religion and Culture
Expand your worldview by studying religion as it relates to the world’s cultures socially, theologically, philosophically and psychologically. Investigate the societies from which major world religions emerged. Specialize in a nonsectarian program of study with courses in world religions, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, biblical literature and feminist theologies, as well as various thematic courses that allow you to investigate the perspectives of various religions on issues as varied as non-violence, leadership, and death and dying. These opportunities and more await you when you choose to study Religion and Culture at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Religion and Culture?
Religious Studies is the academic, non-sectarian study of the traditions, texts and themes of the world’s religions from a variety of perspectives. Throughout the ages, religious beliefs and practices have occupied (and continue to occupy) an important place in human lives. They have shaped the histories and perspectives of individuals and entire civilizations, as religion not only expresses humanity’s deepest hopes but also provides various ways of coping with the uncertainties of mortal existence. As a result, the study of religion is a fascinating way to explore the aspirations, fears, concerns, and biases that characterize the human condition, providing students with valuable cross-cultural perspectives drawn from the world’s religious traditions.
The Department of Religion and Culture is comprised of a group of scholars from different backgrounds whose common concern is the scientific study of religion. Specialists in Buddhism, Hinduism, Chinese Religion(s), Judaism, Christianity and Islam provide diverse perspectives on systems of faith and worship throughout the world. The Religion and Culture program offers students the opportunity to study major world religions and the societies from which they evolved (and are continuing to evolve).
"Religious Studies as a discipline provides an interdisciplinary context within which students can explore the world’s religious traditions in a critical, intellectually stimulating fashion. I have found the study of religion to be a meaningful, worthwhile pursuit."
- Chris Jensen, M.A. (religion and culture)
Religious studies expands your mind. It immerses you in new ways of looking at reality and encapsulates all of the best aspects of the humanities.
What I personally find the most thrilling is exploring how belief shapes the daily activities and actions of all people, no matter how diverse our cultural backgrounds may be.—Markel Chernenkoff, B.A., M.A.
A Stepping Stone ...
Students graduating from the Department of Religion and Culture will have a solid foundation in critical thinking and academic writing, as well as well-developed sense of conceptual flexibility and a thorough understanding of diverse peoples. A degree in Religion and Culture is an excellent base for students interested in careers in administration, education, journalism and public relations. Students who wish to continue with further education may choose an advanced degree in religious studies or theological training.
"Studying religions of the world will develop your writing skills, enable you to produce clear statements of your knowledge and the reasons that support it, develop competencies in the analysis of texts, and help you reflect on deep questions that are important to people in every culture."
- Dr. Robert Kennedy (sessional instructor)
Career Opportunities
There are diverse and rewarding career options for graduates of the Religion and Culture Program including such fields as civil service, historical and cultural research, radio and television, education, museum and library work. A degree in Religion and Culture provides a strong basis for students seeking employment in interpersonal communications, human resources and personnel administration.
"Religion is a powerful and persistent force in human experience, and a better understanding of the nature of religious beliefs and traditions leads to a better understanding of the world around us. In a multicultural Canada and an ever more “globalized” world it is essential for people to be religiously literate. The skills developed in pursuit of a degree in Religious Studies leave students well prepared for entrance into the workforce, and form a strong foundation for those who pursue further study in a variety of fields including the health professions, law, government, and teaching."
- Kerry Neal, B.A. (religion and culture)
The U of S Advantage
The University of Saskatchewan offers an excellent undergraduate program in Religion and Culture! Students will benefit from the diversity within our department, which features a group of scholars trained in the relevant languages, histories, philosophies and social sciences. The Religion and Culture Program offers a look at religion as a vital, relevant component of human life and culture.
Alternate methods of learning are advocated through presentations given by guest speakers, which encourage students to explore the religious diversity within our local community. Students have access to excellent library resources, course variety, extracurricular events and great faculty-student interaction at all levels of the program. The faculty in the Department of Religion and Culture takes pride in seeing their students succeed.
Choose Your Program!
The first three years of study provides students with a broad understanding of religious traditions while focusing on specific aspects of religion. Students who wish to continue with further studies may choose to complete the honours or double honours programs. Continued study will enable students to draw from an expanded understanding of the methodology of a variety of disciplines including anthropology, philosophy, sociology, history, gender studies and literary criticism.
Our new program offers students two exciting options in pursuing their studies, providing degrees in either
religious studies (which involves the detailed study of particular traditions and languages) and
religion and culture (which involves a broader study of religion in the context of human culture (allowing for specialization in one of three areas:
Religion in Society;
Religion, Literature and Arts; and
Religion and Gender)).
"In the twenty-first century, the academic study of Religion is a must. Our new Religion and Culture program provides an exciting new option for students in the Department."
- Dr. Mary Ann Beavis (professor)
A Major in Religious Studies
Students majoring in Religion and Culture can choose from one of the following degrees:
* B.A. three-year
* B.A. four-year
* B.A. honours
* B.A. double honours
The objective of the three-year B.A. and the four-year B.A. programs is to offer students significant exposure to the central themes, ideas and institutions of the major world religions. An Honours degree prepares students for postgraduate studies and is the first-step towards the thesis program leading to a Master’s in Religious Studies. Honours students may also find their degree to be a valuable basis for continuing studies in theology training.
A Minor in Religious Studies
Students who are not religious studies majors can choose to minor in one of the following areas to develop a specialization:
* Minor in Catholic Studies
* Minor in Jewish and Christian Origins
* Minor in Religion and Culture
The U of S has a real commitment to scholarship. The people here are friendly and easy to get along with, and Saskatoon is a good place to live.—Dr. James G. Mullens,
professor
Outstanding Students and Faculty
The U of S is home to two prominent academic journals: the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture (edited by Professor Mary Ann Beavis) and the Journal of Indo-Judaic Studies (co-edited by Professor Braj Mohan Sinha). Departmental faculty have been recipients of grants and research awards in the humanities and the social sciences. Students of the department have been the recipients of various prestigious scholarships (including funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)) and have gone on to postgraduate study at well-regarded universities worldwide.
Getting Involved!
Religious studies majors have the opportunity to be involved in various extracurricular activities ranging from field trips to local holy sites, departmental film nights, visits by prominent guest speakers, archaeological excavations in Israel, Buddhist meditation retreats at St. Peter’s Abbey, study tours to explore Chinese religions in Taiwan, and participation in sweet grass ceremonies at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. In addition, the department encourages student involvement through the auspices of the Religious Studies Student Union – a student-run group that organizes various events throughout the year (from seminars to social events).
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
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