Program Description The study of religion has been a foundational part of Bishop’s University’s mission since the institution’s establishment in the mid-19th century. At that time the focus was on Christianity, but today, as a department in the Humanities division, we offer a broad range of courses covering the major world religions and examining religion from a number of perspectives. Our objective is to further the understanding of religion, not to advocate its practice or non-practice. To this end, we offer courses in three major categories.
Courses in “Biblical Studies” invite students to become familiar with the sacred texts of the Jewish and Christian traditions, to examine the historical and cultural contexts of their origin and development, and to acquaint themselves with the critical, analytical, theoretical and historical tools for inquiry into these texts.
"World Religions” courses offer a knowledge of the sacred texts, traditions, rituals, beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions. Students will come to appreciate the richness and depth that characterize these religions, which have elicited devotion from persons in every time and place.
The courses in the third category, “Approaches, Perspectives and Expressions,” reflect the fact that religions and religious life do not exist in a vacuum, but are linked to other aspects of human life, including philosophical thought, psychological, social, political and economic dimensions, and literature and fine arts.
Because religions have significantly influenced, and been influenced by, the political, artistic, intellectual, social and economic life of cultures throughout history, the academic study of religion is an interdisciplinary pursuit. Students taking an Honours or Major program in Religion are encouraged to take courses in other, related fields and, conversely, students in other disciplines are welcomed in Religion courses in order to round out their understanding of their areas of concentration.
Students planning on entering professions such as education, social work, law, theatre, music, business, etc. may study religion in order to enhance their vocational and personal lives. The study of religion may also, of course, be in preparation for some form of ministry.
Our approach is not faith-based. We are not in the business of either promoting or demoting faith; appreciation and critical understanding are our common goals. As an integral part of the larger Bishop’s community, students from all disciplines are welcomed in Religion courses, and students in Religion are encouraged to take courses in other related fields such as Philosophy, Classical Studies, History, Liberal Arts, etc. These may be counted as cognate courses to the Religion Major or Honours program. In addition, students may pursue their particular interests through independent study courses. Department Strengths:
Small class sizes. Students are individuals, not numbers — you really get to know your professors, and they you! We place a premium on teaching well; Dr. Harvey White won the University’s Turner Award for teaching in 2007. Several Religion courses are cross-listed to offer credits in Classical Studies, Philosophy, Liberal Arts and Political Studies. Visits to places of worship (such as synagogues, monasteries, Hindu and Buddhist Temples, etc.) are often part of our courses. Students have the opportunity to gain 6 credits participating in trips and archaeological excavations in Jordan, Greece and the American Southwest. Religion courses help students develop their research and writing skills — very highly valued in today’s job market!
