At Huntington, our Religious Studies program does not promote or undermine any particular religion or worldview. Instead, our faculty focus their areas of expertise on lived experiences and the phenomena of religion and spirituality within contemporary culture.
In this program, you’ll study:
Religious Studies is a three or four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts.
Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.
Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.
Additional information for applicants, including international students, mature students and out-of-province students can be found here.
Total 120 credits
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the BA or B.Sc.
All students entering a BA program as of September 2017 are required to take 6 credits each of linguistic awareness, scientific literacy and indigenous content as per the regulations.
Although the requirements have been slotted in first year in the description below, students may fulfill them at any time during their studies.
Eligible courses are available at the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels and students should take them at the appropriate time in their studies.
Courses fulfilling these requirements may be taken as electives or as part of a minor, concentration, major or specialization.
First Year
6 credits from:
RLST 1005E - What in the World is Religion?
RLST 1106E - Religion for the New Generation I
RLST 1107E - Religion for the New Generation II
RLST 1116E - Ideas of Love I
RLST 1117E - Ideas of Love II
Second and Third Years
30 elective credits
Fourth Year
6 credits from:
RLST 1005E - What in the World is Religion?
RLST 1106E - Religion for the New Generation I
RLST 1107E - Religion for the New Generation II
RLST 1116E - Ideas of Love I
RLST 1117E - Ideas of Love II
Total 90 credits
Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the BA or B.Sc.
All students entering a BA program as of September 2017 are required to take 6 credits each of linguistic awareness, scientific literacy and indigenous content as per the regulations.
Although the requirements have been slotted in first year in the description below, students may fulfill them at any time during their studies.
Eligible courses are available at the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 levels and students should take them at the appropriate time in their studies.
Courses fulfilling these requirements may be taken as electives or as part of a minor, concentration, major or specialization.
First Year
6 credits from:
RLST 1005E - What in the World is Religion?
RLST 1106E - Religion for the New Generation I
RLST 1107E - Religion for the New Generation II
RLST 1116E - Ideas of Love I
RLST 1117E - Ideas of Love II
Upper Years
6 credits from:
RLST 1005E - What in the World is Religion?
RLST 1106E - Religion for the New Generation I
RLST 1107E - Religion for the New Generation II
RLST 1116E - Ideas of Love I
RLST 1117E - Ideas of Love II
As per the degree requirements students must complete 6 RLST credits from three of the four areas (18 credits in all).
Please note that courses listed are subject to change and may not be offered every term.
RLST 1106: Religion for a New Generation I
This course will examine the effect of pluralism and secularization on organized religion and individual belief in Canada. Major themes to be considered are: the new Catholic majority, the no religion factor, the demise of mainline Protestantism and the emergence of born again, fundamentalist and Pentecostal Protestantism. The course will attempt to identify the meaning and function of religion in light of these trends. (H) (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 1106 and RLST 1105.
RLST 1107: Religion for a New Generation II
This course will explore the current search for fulfillment and transcendence through examining new spiritual trends in Canada such as New Age Religion, Eastern Transcendentalism, Neo-Paganism (Aboriginal, Wiccan and Celtic), Alternate Medical Therapies, and Implicit Spirituality (as found in work, sport, political activism and psychedelic culture). (H) (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 1107 and RLST 1105.
RLST 1150: Elementary Biblical Hebrew
Introduction to Hebrew grammar, with reading exercises from Old Testament passages.
RLST 2115: The Development of Western Morality
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course explores the development of moral systems in Western society with special emphasis on the role of the Judeo-Christian religious tradition in establishing norms and values. It also examines ethical theory. (Students who have taken RLST 2315 will not be permitted to take this course for credit.)
RLST 2205 - The World's Living Religions
Area 3 - World Religions
This course examines the history and meaning of the major living religions of the world and at the same time attempts to explore the unique contribution of each to our understanding of religion as a whole. This elective course is of interest to students in the English-Language Bachelor of Education program and counts toward the 18 required credits in integration courses for this program. (S) (lec 3) cr 6.
RLST 2355: God, Play and Games
This course examines the shape and religious significance of leisure in Western society. The course primarily focuses on those elements in Christian thought and tradition, i.e. the feast, the holy day and worship, which together contribute to the contemporary view of leisure as celebration. (H) (lec 3) cr 6.
RLST 2446: Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication, Part I
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course will consider the nature and meaning of interpersonal communication as dialogue. Resources in the Judaeo-Christian tradition as well as recent phenomenological thought will be explored to enhance communication skills such as self-awareness, self-disclosure, listening and responding. A developmental model of interpersonal communication will also be presented involving: exchange, interchange, intimacy and communion. Cross-listed as COST 2446.(H) (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 2446 and COST/RLST 2445 or COST 2446.
RLST 2447: Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication, Part II
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course will attempt to demonstrate how interpersonal communication can transform relationships in several contexts such as: marriage, family life, friendship and the workplace. It will also examine processes of resolving conflict in relationships through negotiation and collaboration. A theoretical model of transformation will be presented utilizing thought of several current Christian thinkers. Cross-listed as COST 2447.(H) (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 2447 and COST/RLST 2445 or COST 2447.
RLST 2625: Childhood: A Religious Perspective
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course provides an introduction to and examines the religious ideas regarding children as well as the implications of these various concepts of childhood for both societal and personal beliefs and values. In this course, students will be introduced to and encouraged to critically evaluate these theories regarding childhood in relation to the various belief systems that exist. Ideas and practices regarding children within major world religions will be explored however, stress will be placed on the Judaeo-Christian view of the child. Students will be asked to engage with the contemporary views of childhood examining such issues as children’s rights and children’s liberation. Students will be encouraged to participate in variety of learning practices using such culture artifacts such as websites, films, music, improve, stream of consciousness writing, and textual media to help spur discussions and thoughts about the relevance of these theories to today’s society. (6 CR)
RLST 3141: Spirituality & Sex: Heavenly Pleasures And Earthly Delights
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course examines the importance of sex to religious and spiritual life. Primarily focusing on Western culture and religious movements, this course will explore both ancient traditions and modern day lived experiences where issues of sex and sexuality intersect with particular religious traditions. It will highlight how religions promote, conceal, and employ sex and sexuality. (lec. 3) 3cr.
RLST 3177: Christianity and the Celtic Experience
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course examines first, how pagan Celtic religion in Ireland shaped the incoming Christian influence into a unique religious synthesis - Celtic Christianity. Secondly, the course traces the spread of Celtic Christianity throughout the British Isles and study the distinct spirituality found in the lives of four saints: Patrick, Bridgid, Columbanus and Colomcille. Thirdly, the course looks at the current revival of Celtic Christianity in Britain and North America and compares its spirituality with other spiritual revivals. (H) (lec 3) cr 3.
RLST 3196: The Human Prospect: Technology and the Individual Experience
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course examines, from a global perspective, the ongoing technological revolution, its impact now and in the future on the individual experience. It explores the meaning of moral responsibility and faith in a high-tech society in terms of the Christian understanding of the metaphors of stewardship and journey. Cross-listed as COST 3006 (H) (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 3196 and either RLST 3195 or COST 3006.
RLST 3197: The Human Prospect: Technology and Social Experience
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course examines, from a global perspective, the ongoing technological revolution, its impact now and in the future on social institutions. It explores the meaning of moral responsibility and faith in a high-tech society in terms of the Christian understanding of the metaphors of stewardship and a global village. Cross-listed as COST 3007 (H) (lec 3) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both RLST 3197 and either RLST 3195 or COST 3007.
RLST 3215: Religion and the Arts
Area 3 - World Religions
The varieties of expression of religious myth and symbol throughout the development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Particular reference is made to the religious use of the visual arts, architecture and music.
RLST 3245: Health, Healing and Spirituality
Area 3 - World Religions
This course examines critically the role of spirituality within different religion traditions in creating a holistic understanding of health and healing. Special consideration is given to the spiritual basis of complementary and alternative medicines as contrasted with convention Western allopathic medicine.
RLST 3315: Life Journeys: Transitions, Rites of Passage and Spirituality
Area 3 - World Religions
This course examines the life journey, and the roles of spirituality and rites of passage in critical life transitions such as birth, puberty, graduation, leaving home, marriage, mid-life, separation and divorce, retirement, institutionalization and death. (H) (lec 3) cr 6.
RLST 3316: Religion and the State in Canada
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
A major determinant in the relationship between religion and the state is the beliefs and theologies of various religious groups. In Canada, these beliefs have resulted in a unique relationship differing from both the American and European models. This course explores the effects of religious belief in Canada on such issues as religion in government, religion and education, and religion and dissent. (H) (lec 3) cr 3.
RLST 3326: Religion and the Elderly
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course is a study of the images of the elderly found in the religious traditions of the world, including the North American native people. Special attention is given to an examination of the spiritual needs of the elderly and how these needs might be addressed by religious and health care organizations.
RLST 3327: Ethical Issues for the Elderly
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course explores issues for the elderly such as the adequacy of health care, financial security and protection from various forms of abuse. The course focuses on justice issues as well as quality of life concerns.
RLST 3336: Food, Ritual and Religion
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course critically examines the role of food and eating as a way of creating and maintaining a coherent, cultural, and religious world view. Topics will include fasting, feasting, ritual cannibalism, gluttony, morality, resource allocation etc. Theoretical perspectives focusing primarily on Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions will allow students to explore how humans use food to articulate the role of the human and the divine in the world. Students will investigate the relationship between such topics as religion, culture, globalization, biodiversity, and technology.
3356: Sport as Spiritual Practice
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course will examine a selection of sports narratives so as to develop an understanding of sport as spiritual practice. Three key concepts will be discussed: quest, encounter, and testimony, each of which contributes to the development and experience of spirituality in sport. (H) (lec 3) cr 3.
RLST 3615: Religion and the Person
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course studies the psychological dimension of religion by introducing students to major 20th-century figures in the psychology of religion. The course also examines the basic theories of religious development and a variety of topics focusing on religious change such as conversion, mysticism and faith healing. (H) (lec 3) cr 6.
RLST 3696: Media and Religion
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
The course examines the relationship between media and religion, including the representation of religion in the media and the impact of media culture on religious ideas, practices and communities. Students will learn to employ theories from religious studies and communication studies to examine such questions as whether media and religion are in conflict and how the media transform religious discourse and practices. The course considers the perspectives and representation of a variety of different religions within the North American media landscape. (lec 3) 3cr.
RLST 4135: Special Readings in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition
Area 2 - Western Religions
The course focuses on a limited number of thinkers or issues within the Judaeo-Christian tradition. PREREQ: RLST 2446/2447. (H) (lec 3) cr 6.
RLST 4365: Problems in the Study of Religion
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
A course which concentrates exclusively on the methodological questions (exegetical, hermeneutical and phenomenological) raised by the study of religion in an academic context.
As per the degree requirements students must complete 6 RLST credits from three of the four areas (18 credits in all).
Please note that courses listed are subject to change and may not be offered every term.
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course considers the nature and meaning of interpersonal communication as dialogue. An examination is made of communication skills such as self-awareness, self-disclosure, listening and responding. Students will explore the meaning of four levels of communication: exchange, interchange, intimacy and communion. The virtue of civility seen as an ethical organizational tool will be explored as the basis for enhancing all forms of interpersonal communication. Cross-listed with RLST 2446. Students who have taken COST/RLST 2445 cannot take COST 2446. (3 cr)
Method of evaluation
Book review35%
Online Quizzes30%
Online final exam35%
Required text
Adler, R. et al., Interplay (4th Canadian ed.) 2016
Course Delivery: Online
Start Date: May 3, 2021
Instructor: C. Krejlgaard
RLST 2447 EL 12: Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication, Part II
Area 2 - Western Religions
This course examines those communication skills and theories that help improve interpersonal relationships such as: friendship, family, and the workplace. The course will also examine current issues such as communicating in a multicultural society, in cyberspace, resolving conflict and dealing with loss. The course will focus on the meaning and reality of "conversation" as the basis for all human relationships. Cross-listed with RLST 2447. Students who have taken COST/RLST 2445 cannot take COST 2447. (3 cr)
Method of evaluation
Film analysis30%
Online Quizzes30%
Online final exam40%
Required text
Adler, R. et al., Interplay (4th Canadian ed.) 2016
Course Delivery: Online
Start Date: May 3, 2021
Instructor: C. Krejlgaard
RLST 3141 EL 01 : Spirituality & Sex: Heavenly Pleasures And Earthly Delights
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This course examines the importance of sex to religious and spiritual life. Primarily focusing on Western culture and religious movements, this course will explore both ancient traditions and modern day lived experiences where issues of sex and sexuality intersect with particular religious traditions. It will highlight how religions promote, conceal, and employ sex and sexuality. (lec. 3) 3cr.
Course Delivery: Remote delivery
Start Date: May 3, 2021 (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Times: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Instructor: A. Hood
RLST 3336: Food, Ritual and Religion
Area 4 - Religion and Culture
This introductory course on the relationship between food and religion explores the role of food and eating as a means to create and maintain world views. It will examine the variety of interesting topics with the relationship of food, religion, and culture, such as fasting, feasting, ritual, spirituality, cannibalism, gluttony, resource allocation, sacrifice, etc. How human beings use food to practice, experience, and express spiritual and moral concepts. How food is used to engage the human in the world of the divine. (3 cr)
Method of evaluation
assignment20%
reflective learning journals20%
research essay25%
online final exam35%
Required text
Peck, A. (ed.), Bread, Body, Spirit: Finding the Sacred in Food 2008
Course Delivery: Online
Start Date: May 3, 2021
Instructor: A. Hood
