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Religious Studies (RELG)

Note: This is the 2016–2017 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.

Religious Studies (RELG)

Location

Location

  • School of Religious Studies
  • William and Henry Birks Building
  • 3520 University Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 2A7
  • Telephone: 514-398-4121
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/religiousstudies

About the School of Religious Studies

About the School of Religious Studies

Cultivating a thorough understanding of the world’s religions and the roles of religion throughout history and in contemporary society is at the heart of the School of Religious Studies’ teaching at the undergraduate level. The School takes a multidisciplinary approach to scholarship on a plurality of religions and incorporates a broad range of perspectives and methods. In studying the world’s religious traditions, we emphasize the ways in which religious expression and practices are embedded in culture, politics, aesthetics, and social change.

The School of Religious Studies has enjoyed a long history at McGill providing a wide range of programs, including B.A. programs, theological programs, and several specialized graduate degree programs. The School’s expertise in world religions engages many methods and disciplines, combining the rigorous and historically focused study of religious traditions and contexts with approaches that explore contemporary expressions of religions. For more on the Faculty’s distinctive, holistic approach to the study of religion, please visit About Us.

The School is home to the Centre for Research on Religion (CREOR) and McGill’s Initiative in Globalization and the World’s Religions. It is also affiliated with the Montreal Diocesan Theological College of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Presbyterian College Montreal, and the United Theological College of the United Church of Canada. Each of these colleges is located close to campus.

The School of Religious Studies is located in the handsome William and Henry Birks Building, erected in 1931, formerly known as Divinity Hall, at 3520 University Street. Besides the usual classrooms, offices, and common rooms, this building accommodates the Birks Heritage Chapel and the Birks Reading Room.

History of the School

During the 19th century, several Theological Colleges in Montreal became affiliated with McGill. In 1912, they formed a Joint Board for the academic study of Theology, leaving each denominational College to provide its own professional training for Christian ministry. This relationship between the Colleges and the University led naturally to the creation in 1948 of a Faculty of Divinity, which assumed the academic functions of the Joint Board, now designated the Montreal School of Theology. In 1970, the name of the Faculty was changed to the Faculty of Religious Studies.

By reason of its close collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, the faculty formally became the School of Religious Studies, within the Faculty of Arts, in 2016. The School now offers the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree programs, and several graduate degree programs.

Religious Studies Programs

Religious Studies Programs

The School of Religious Studies offers programs leading to the following degrees:

Prospective students seeking advice should contact an adviser from the School of Religious Studies.

Religious Studies Courses Available to Arts and Science Students

Religious Studies Courses Available to Arts and Science Students

All courses listed in the Religious Studies section (RELG) are considered as courses in Arts and Science, except for courses restricted to B.Th. or S.T.M. students and courses that require permission of the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.

Birks Lectures

Birks Lectures

An annual series was established in 1950 through the generosity of the late William M. Birks. The lectures are given by distinguished visitors, usually in late September or early October.

The first lecturer was the Right Reverend Leslie Hunter. More recent lecturers have included Huston Smith, Northrop Frye, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Gregory Baum, Robert McAfee Brown, Krister Stendahl, Charles Adams, Jon Levenson, David Little, Azim Nanji, Paul Griffiths, Bernadette J. Brooten, Harvey Cox, John S. Hawley, Gabriel Vahanian, Oliver O'Donovan, Jan Assmann, Donald Lopez, RĂ©emi Brague, David Fergusson, John J. Collins, and David Shulman.

Numata Visiting Professor in Buddhist Studies

Numata Visiting Professor in Buddhist Studies

In recognition of the strong Buddhist Studies program in the School of Religious Studies, the Numata Foundation has given a 20-year grant to the School to bring a visiting scholar in Buddhist Studies to McGill each year.

The visiting professor teaches one course at the 500 level, gives a public lecture, and is available to students for conferences and consultation.

The first Numata Professor, in 1999–2000, was Dr. Mahinda Deegalle (Ph.D., Chicago), a Theravada Buddhist Sri Lankan monk. Subsequent visiting professors have included Dr. John Pettit, Professor Robert Morrison, Dr. Thupten Jinpa, Dr. Kate Crosby, Ven. Yifa, Dr. Robert Kritzer, Dr. Andrew Skilton, Dr. Joel Tatelman, Dr. Miriam Levering, Dr. Hiroko Kawanami, Dr. Dorji Wangchuk, Dr. Martin Adam, Dr. Jin Park, Dr. Roger Jackson, Dr. Burkhard Scherer, and Dr. Andre van der Braak.

The visiting professor for 2016–2017 is Dr. Rinpoche Sherpa.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Aug. 16, 2016) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies

Overview of Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Religious Studies programs explore the many cultural, historical, and political issues related to both Eastern and Western religions, and to religion in a comparative perspective. Majors and minors in World Religions are available, as well as a minor in Religion and Globalization and honours and joint honours programs in Religious Studies. Students frequently combine majors and minors in World Religions with a wide range of other B.A. concentrations, highlighting the importance of the rigorous study of religion to many other areas of inquiry.

A distinctive strength of the School’s offerings is the Major Concentration in Scriptures and Interpretations, which allows for a concentration on a particular scriptural tradition (Jewish, Christian, or Hindu and Buddhist scriptures); the Minor Concentration in Scriptural Languages supports all these concentrations by providing intensive study of either Indo-Tibetan languages or Biblical Languages.

Prospective students seeking advice should contact an adviser from the School of Religious Studies.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Mar. 1, 2016) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

Overview of Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

The main goals of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program are:

  1. to offer academic instruction in the disciplines of theology within a university setting;
  2. to contribute to preparation for ministry in the contemporary world by giving special attention to the Canadian and North American contexts, the Quebec context, and religious pluralism.

The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) may be taken as a first or second baccalaureate degree.

As a first degree (90 or 120 credits), it offers a more intensive study of Christianity than is available within the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs, while also permitting the student to combine this specialization with other academic or professional interests, whether in Religious Studies or in other faculties and schools of the University.

As a second bachelor’s degree (60 credits), the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program is designed primarily for those who intend to qualify for the ordained ministry in a Christian denomination, although here too, some students pursue the degree out of an interest in the academic study of theology for its own sake, or with a view to combining these studies with proficiency gained in other disciplines. The 60-credit program forms the core of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree.

Those studying for the ordained ministry usually pursue the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) as part of a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) offered by one of the three Theological Colleges affiliated with Ď㽶ĘÓƵ in the Montreal School of Theology:

  • Montreal Diocesan Theological College (Anglican Church of Canada);
  • the Presbyterian College (Presbyterian Church in Canada);
  • United Theological College (United Church of Canada).

Tuition Fees and Funding

Information concerning current tuition fees can be found at: www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts. Applicants for admission to one of the affiliated Colleges should contact the institution concerned for information regarding College-related fees.

ATS Accreditation

The B.Th. program offered by McGill and the M.Div. program offered by the Theological Colleges are together fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada (ATS).

Evaluation

Competence in a course may be determined by examinations and/or essays, or by other means chosen by the instructor and approved by the Director.

Graduation Requirements

  1. The B.Th. is either a 120-credit program (if you were admitted from outside Quebec and without a prior Bachelor's degree), a 90-credit program (if you were admitted on the basis of a Quebec D.C.S. or equivalent), or a 60-credit program (if you were admitted on the basis of a recognized bachelor's degree).
  2. Qualification for the degree must include Satisfactory Standing (a grade of C or better) in all required courses and the complementary courses specified in Year 3, and the accumulation of enough acceptable credits to make a total of either 60, 90, or 120 credits. It should be noted that if you take the B.Th. program as part of the M.Div. program, you need to maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5 to be eligible for the M.Div. degree.
  3. Normally, the program credits must be earned within five years from the date of entrance.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

The B.Th. program has three points of entry:

  1. To enter the 120-credit degree program from outside Quebec, you must hold a high school diploma, unless you qualify as a mature student. A maximum of 60 credits from another institution of higher learning can be considered for transfer into the 120-credit program.
  2. To enter the 90-credit first-degree program, you are expected to have completed the Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) from a Quebec CEGEP with a minimum average Cote R of 24, or the equivalent elsewhere. A maximum of 30 credits from another institution of higher learning can be considered for transfer into this program.
  3. To enter the 60-credit program, you must have completed a B.A. or other bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7 (B-). No credits can be transferred from another institution of higher learning into the 60-credit program.

Any McGill student in good standing, with a minimum of 30 credits, may apply for transfer from their current degree program into the B.Th. program. B.Th. students entering the 120- or 90-credit program are free to pursue minors in other departments, schools, or faculties, in consultation with their B.Th. adviser(s).

Prospective students should contact the Chair of the B.Th. Committee to discuss their qualifications, expectations, and objectives. Appointments can be made by contacting:

  • Professor Torrance Kirby
  • Email: torrance.kirby [at] mcgill.ca

Mature Student Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Policy

Those who will be 23 years of age or older by September 1 of the year that they seek admission (or by January 1 for admission to the Winter term) and who lack the academic qualifications normally required for entry into the B.Th. program may apply as mature students for admission to a Qualifying year in the B.Th. program.

Admitted students enrol in a Qualifying year (30 credits) of designated Religious Studies and Arts courses (determined by the Chair of the B.Th. Committee).

  • Those who, during the Qualifying year, earn a CGPA of 2.5 to 2.9 (with no grade less than 60%) normally will be granted admission to the 120-credit B.Th. program. Credits completed during the Qualifying year may be applied toward the 120-credit requirement.
  • Those who, during the Qualifying year, earn a CGPA of at least 3.0 (having taken 30 credits, including at least two 300-level courses and with no grade less than 65%) normally will be granted admission to the 90-credit B.Th. program. Credits completed during the Qualifying year may be applied toward the 90-credit requirement.
  • Students who, during the Qualifying year, do not earn a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or who have grades less than 60%, may apply to retake courses, pending approval of the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

Note: Paper applications to the B.Th. Program can no longer be accepted. All applicants must apply online.

The online application process should take about 20 minutes and a credit card is required for payment of the application fee. Once completed, the online application form may be printed for your own records.

Required Documents

  • Transcript(s) of all previous post-secondary academic work. Applicants to the B.Th. Program as a first degree must submit high school and/or CEGEP transcripts. Copies of your unofficial transcript(s) can be uploaded to complete your application. Official transcript(s) are required only if you are admitted, and must be mailed directly from the institution to the mailing address below.
  • Personal Statement, according to the directions in the application. Please download and use the Personal Statement Form, available at www.mcgill.ca/religiousstudies/prospective/undergraduate/bth/apply.

After your application has been received, you will be given access to your Minerva account, where you will be able to upload your unofficial transcripts and personal statement to complete your application. You can find full instructions on how to prepare, upload, and submit relevant documents at www.mcgill.ca/applying/ive-applied-now-what/submit-your-supporting-documents/uploading-your-documents.

The two letters of recommendation must be sent to:

  • Bachelor of Theology Program
  • Enrolment Services
  • Student Records
  • Ď㽶ĘÓƵ
  • 3415 McTavish Street, Room MS-13
  • Montreal QC H3A 0C8
  • Canada

If you are applying to one of the Theological Colleges, another complete set of these required documents must also be sent to the College concerned.

Please note that your file will not be considered by the Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Committee until all the required documents have been received.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Applicants to the B.Th. program may be accepted into the Fall, Winter, or Summer term. The online application deadlines are:

September Admission
Canadian and International applicants: May 1
College-affiliated applicants only: June 15
January Admission
International applicants: September 15
Canadian applicants: November 1
May Admission
Canadian and International applicants: March 1

Please note that all required documents listed in Application Procedures must be received by the School of Religious Studies prior to these deadlines in order for the applicant to be considered by the Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Committee.

Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Review Procedure

Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Review Procedure

An unsuccessful applicant, or a School of Religious Studies Council member acting on behalf of an unsuccessful applicant, who believes that not all factors having a bearing on the application have been fully considered, may submit a request for a review of the decision.

The request must be made in writing and directed to the Chair of the B.Th. Ď㽶ĘÓƵ and Awards Committee. A CAD$40 certified cheque or money order made payable to McGill University must accompany the request. The request must include information in support of reconsideration, such as a description of significant change in the applicant's circumstances since the initial consideration, correction of any missing or erroneous information in the application, or information that the applicant believes may have been overlooked when the original decision was made.

Requests for reconsideration must be received at McGill no more than two weeks after notification of refusal.

The review procedure will be carried out by the B.Th. Ď㽶ĘÓƵ and Awards Committee. Please note that the original admission decision will stand unless the Committee is persuaded that admissions standards have been misapplied or that an applicant’s academic record has been misapprehended.

Decisions on Special, Visiting, and Exchange applications are final; requests for reconsideration will not be considered.

Registration Procedures

Registration Procedures

All students register using Minerva, McGill's web-based registration system. Minerva provides web access to registration, class schedules, course descriptions, and address changes. Further information regarding registration is available at University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Registration or www.mcgill.ca/newstudents.

Withdrawal Procedures

Dropping or adding courses must be done via Minerva, prior to the deadline listed at University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Registration > Registration Periods. Permission of the adviser is required for all changes to course selection. In case of withdrawal from the University prior to the published course withdrawal deadline, you must withdraw from all courses via Minerva. In addition, you must contact the Chair of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) Committee and complete the necessary withdrawal form.

Course Selection

You are to seek the guidance of your adviser(s) when registering for courses. You must have your courses approved and your Minerva form signed by the Chair of the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) Committee before classes begin. If you are affiliated with one of the Theological Colleges, your Minerva form must first be approved and signed by your College adviser.

Academic Standing and Course Loads

Academic Standing and Course Loads

Satisfactory Standing

You enter the University in Satisfactory Standing and remain in this Standing unless your grade point average (GPA) or cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for any year drops below 2.00. The normal course load in any academic session is five courses per term (15 credits per term). If you have a high GPA (at least 3.00), you may take more than the normal five courses per term.

Probationary Standing

You are placed in Probationary Standing if either your CGPA or your term GPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99. (If you are a part-time student, your GPA is calculated on the basis of your last 9 credits.) While in Probationary Standing, you may take a minimum of 6 credits and a maximum of 12 credits per term.

While in Probationary Standing, you may return to Satisfactory Standing by completing 12 additional credits with a GPA of at least 2.50, or by completing 12 credits with a GPA and a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.

As a student in Probationary Standing, if you fail to achieve the levels of performance specified above, you will be placed in Unsatisfactory Standing, unless you obtain a GPA of 1.50–1.99 while continuing to have a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.

Unsatisfactory Standing

You are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing if you have a GPA of less than 1.50.

As a student in Unsatisfactory Standing, you will have to withdraw, or seek readmission as a probationary student with special permission from the B.Th. Committee and the Dean. If you are a student who is readmitted on Probationary Standing, you may have additional restrictions or conditions to meet over and above those required of students referred to above under “Probationary Standing.”

In the event that you are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing for a second time, you must withdraw permanently.

Incomplete Standing

If, in any year, your record shows a mark of K, K*, L, L*, or &&, you will have no GPA or CGPA calculated for that year, and your record will show “Standing Incomplete.” After completing the appropriate course requirements, your GPA and CGPA will be calculated and your Standing determined as described above.

If your Standing is still “Incomplete” at the time of registration for the next academic year, you must obtain a Letter of Permission to Register from the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Mar. 10, 2016) (disclaimer)

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Overview of Degrees Offered: Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is offered by the Colleges affiliated with the School of Religious Studies through the Montreal School of Theology.

Students who have completed a first degree prior to the B.Th. with a minimum CGPA of 2.7 are eligible to apply the B.Th. degree toward the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree conferred by the Theological Colleges.

The Master of Divinity Program is divided into two years of foundational studies at McGill's School of Religious Studies (i.e., the Bachelor of Theology degree) and a year of professional studies, known as the “In-Ministry Year,” offered jointly by the three affiliated theological Colleges under the auspices of the Montreal School of Theology. The program is supervised by the Academic Committee of the Montreal School of Theology, on which all three Colleges and McGill's School of Religious Studies are represented.

Students from the affiliated colleges may be eligible for bursary assistance if they are properly registered candidates for the ministry. Information about church requirements and the professional year should be sought from the principals of the appropriate colleges.

One biblical language, usually Greek, is required by some of the colleges. Ministerial candidates should consult with the College advisers regarding biblical language requirements.

Prospective candidates for ordination with a B.A. Honours or Major in Religious Studies and a CGPA of 3.3 (B+) may apply for the Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) degree upon completion of the professional In-Ministry Year (IMY).

Applicants for the M.Div. program must apply to the McGill B.Th. program, as well as to one of the Theological Colleges. College application forms should be requested from the Colleges themselves.

  • The Montreal School of Theology
  • (formerly the Joint Board of Theological Colleges)
  • École thĂ©ologique de MontrĂ©al (affiliĂ©e Ă  l'UniversitĂ© McGill)
  • 3475 University Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 2A8
  • Montreal Diocesan Theological College
  • SĂ©minaire DiocĂ©sain de MontrĂ©al
  • 3475 University Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 2A8
  • The Presbyterian College
  • Le Collège PresbytĂ©rien
  • 3495 University Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 2A8
  • The United Theological College
  • Le sĂ©minaire Uni
  • 3521 University Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 2A9
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Mar. 1, 2016) (disclaimer)

Religious Studies (RELG) Faculty

Religious Studies (RELG) Faculty

Director
Daniel Cere (Interim)
Graduate Program Director and Ď㽶ĘÓƵ Chair
Garth W. Green
Administrative Officers
Luvana Di Francesco (on leave as of Oct. 1, 2016)
Francesca Maniaci (Acting as of Oct. 1, 2016)
Emeritus Professors
Gregory B. Baum; B.A.(McM.), M.A.(Ohio), D.Th.(Fribourg)
Maurice Boutin; B.A., B.A., B.A.(Montr.), D.Th.(Munich)
Douglas J. Hall; B.A.(W. Ont.), M.Div., S.T.M., Th.D.(U.T.S., N.Y.), L.L.D.(Wat.), D.D.(Pres. Col.), D.D.(Qu.)
Joseph C. McLelland; B.A.(McM.), M.A.(Tor.), B.D.(Knox, Tor.), Ph.D.(Edin.), D.D.(Montr. Dio. Coll.; Knox, Tor.)
Donna Runnalls; B.A.(Br. Col.), B.D.(McG.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Frederik Wisse; Ing.(Utrecht), B.A., B.D.(Calvin, Mich.), Ph.D.(Claremont)
Katherine K. Young; B.A.(Vermont), M.A.(Chic.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Post-Retirement Professor
G. Victor Hori; B.A.(York), M.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Stan.) (Japanese Religions)
Professors
Douglas B. Farrow; B.R.E.(Providence), M.Div.(Grace), M.Th.(Regent), Ph.D.(Lond.) (Christian Thought)
W.J. Torrance Kirby; B.A.(KCNS), M.A., D.Phil.(Oxf.) (Ecclesiastical History)
G.S. Oegema; B.A., Th.D.(Vrije, Amsterdam), M.A., Ph.D.(Free Univ., Berlin), Dr. Theol. Habil(TĂĽbingen) (Biblical Studies)
Armando Salvatore; M.A.(L'Orientale, Naples), Ph.D.(EUI, Florence), Dr. Habil.(Humboldt, Berlin)
Arvind Sharma; B.A.(Allahabad), M.A.(Syrac.), M.T.S., Ph.D.(Harv.) (Henry Birks Professor of Comparative Religion)
Associate Professors
Lara Braitstein; B.A., M.A.(McG.) (Indo-Tibetan Buddhism)
Daniel Cere; B.A, M.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(C'dia) (Religion, Ethics, and Public Policy)
Gaëlle Fiasse; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(Louvain-le-Neuve) (Ethics and Religious Ethics) (joint appt. with Department of Philosophy)
Garth Green; B.A.(Ariz.), M.A.(Boston), M.A.(Leuven), Ph.D.(Boston)
Ian H. Henderson; B.A.(Manit.), B.D.(St. And.), M.A.(McM.), D.Phil.(Oxf.) (New Testament Studies)
Patricia G. Kirkpatrick; B.A.(McG.), M.Th.(Lond.), D.Phil.(Oxf.), D.D.(Montr. Dio. Coll.) (Old Testament Studies)
Samuel Nelson; M.A., Ph.D.(Yale)
Andrea M. Pinkney; B.A.(McG.), M.A.(Hawaii at Manoa), Ph.D.(Col.) (South Asian Religions)
Assistant Professors
Mikael Baeur; B.A., M.A.(Louvain), Ph.D.(Harv.) (Japanese Religions (Buddhism))
Jim Kanaris; B.A.(C’dia), M.A., Ph.D.(McG.) (Philosophy of Religion)
Faculty Lecturer
Fred Tappenden; B.A.(Taylor Coll., Edmonton), M.A.(Trin. W.), Ph.D.(Manc.)
Numata Visiting Professor
Rinpoche Sherpa; Ph.D.(Harv.)
Adjunct Faculty
Robert Di Pede; B.A.(Hons.)(Tor.), M.A.(Seton Hall), C.Phil.(Immaculate Conception Sem., Seton Hall), Ph.D.(Edin.)
Hilliard T. Goldfarb; A.B.(Bowdoin), A.M., Ph.D.(Harv.)
Alyson Huntly; Dip.Min.(Centre for Christian Studies, Winnipeg), M.T.S.(St. And., Saskatoon), Ph.D.(Qu.)
Philip Joudrey; B.A., M.Div.(Acad.), D.Min.(Andover Newton Theological School)
William Klempa; B.A.(Manit.), M.A.(Tor.), B.D., D.D.(Knox, Tor.), Ph.D.(Edin.)
T. Jinpa Langri; B.A., Dr.Div.(King’s Coll., Lond.), Ph.D.(Camb.)
Lucille Marr; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(Wat.)
Angelica Piché; B.A.(Saarbrucken), M.Th.(Ludwig-Maximillian)
Vanessa Sasson; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(McG.)
Davesh Soneji; B.A.(Manit.), Ph.D.(McG.) (South Asian Religion)
Dale Woods; B.A.(Alta.), M.C.S.(Regent), M.Div.(Vancouver School of Theology), D.Min.(Luther Seminary)
Associate Member
George Di Giovanni; Ph.D.(Tor.)
Affiliate Members
Hillel Braude; M.B., Ch.B.(Cape Town), Ph.D.(Chic.)
Anne Leahy; M.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(New Br.)
Susan Palmer; B.A.(McG.), M.A., Ph.D.(C'dia)
Antoine Panaioti; B.A.(McG.), M.Phil., Ph.D.(Camb.)
John Simons; B.A.(Bishop's), S.T.B.(Trin. Coll., Tor.), Ph.D.(G'town)
Fabian E. Udoh; S.T.B.(Pontifica Univ. Gregoriana), M.Phil.(Oxf.), Ph.D.(Duke)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Jul. 27, 2016) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Religion and Globalization (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration in Religion and Globalization offers students a comparative and historical exploration of the ways in which the world's religions are shaping (and are shaped by) the social, political, and economic dynamics of globalization, modernization, secularization, and postcolonialism.

For more information, see Minor Concentration Religion and Globalization (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration Scriptural Languages (18 credits)

**Currently under review. Program not available for this academic year.** ...

For more information, see Minor Concentration Scriptural Languages (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Minor Concentration World Religions (18 credits)

The Minor Concentration World Religions introduces students to the major world religions and to the academic study of religion. This program may be expanded to the Major Concentration World Religions.

For more information, see Minor Concentration World Religions (18 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Scriptures and Interpretations (36 credits)

**Currently under review. Program not available for this academic year.** ...

For more information, see Major Concentration Scriptures and Interpretations (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration World Religions (36 credits)

The Major Concentration World Religions offers students a broad introduction to the study of the world's major religions, with the possibility for concentration in a student's specific areas of interest. Developing an understanding of methods and problems in comparative approaches to the academic study of religion will be encouraged.

For more information, see Major Concentration World Religions (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Religious Studies - Asian Religions (60 credits)

The Honours Religious Studies offers a degree of analysis and concentration beyond that of the Major program through coursework, intensive research and discussion with peer groups. ...

For more information, see Honours Religious Studies - Asian Religions (60 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Honours Religious Studies - Western Religions (60 credits)

The Honours Religious Studies offers a degree of analysis and concentration beyond that of the Major program through coursework, intensive research and discussion with peer groups. ...

For more information, see Honours Religious Studies - Western Religions (60 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Asian Religions (36 credits)

Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".  ...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Asian Religions (36 credits).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Western Religions (36 credits)

Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".  ...

For more information, see Joint Honours Component Religious Studies - Western Religions (36 credits).

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Religious Studies (120 credits)

The Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) degree requires 120 credits. Many students enter the program with advanced standing, and their credit requirement for the degree is adjusted accordingly.

All students must discuss their course selection with their program adviser.

The required and complementary course requirements below describe the program for students who enter in Year 1 (U1) with 30 credits of advanced standing based on a Quebec Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC).

Students admitted directly from high school into U0 must consult their program adviser regarding appropriate courses for their first year of study.

Students admitted on the basis of a bachelor degree will have advanced standing and should consult their program adviser to determine any course equivalencies completed during their first degree and how these affect their program requirements for the Bachelor of Theology. Normally, these students start in Year 2 (U2) and follow the requirements below starting with Year 2.

The normal course load in the degree for full-time students is 15 credits per term, five 3-credit courses.

By permission of the Dean and the Chair of the B.Th. Committee, students may also enrol for courses at any university in the province of Quebec. For further information, see University Regulations and Resources > Registration > Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement > Quebec Inter-University Transfer Agreement: McGill Students.

Professional and vocational courses (e.g., leading to ordination) are available through the In-Ministry Year (Master of Divinity (M.Div.)) upon the completion of the B.Th. degree.

Required Courses (54 credits)

RELG 203 (3) Bible and Western Culture
RELG 204 (3) Judaism, Christianity and Islam
RELG 207 (3) The Study of World Religions 1
RELG 210 (3) Jesus of Nazareth
RELG 302 (3) Literature of Ancient Israel 1
RELG 303 (3) Literature of Ancient Israel 2
RELG 311 (3) New Testament Studies 1
RELG 312 (3) New Testament Studies 2
RELG 321 (3) Western Intellectual Tradition
RELG 322 (3) The Church in History 1
RELG 323 (3) The Church in History 2
RELG 333 (3) Principles of Christian Theology 1
RELG 334 (3) Christian Thought and Culture
RELG 341 (3) Introduction: Philosophy of Religion
RELG 420* (3) Canadian Church History
RELG 434 (3) Principles of Christian Theology 2
RELG 470 (3) Theological Ethics
RELG 479 (3) Christianity in Global Perspective

* RELG 420 may be replaced with another 3-credit course if recommended by the program adviser.

Complementary Courses (66 credits)

3 credits in History and Classical Studies at the 200 or 300 level.

3 credits in Catholic Studies, Jewish Studies. or Islamic Studies at the 200 or 300 level.

0-6 credits in languages (ancient or modern) at the 100 level (if necessary).

6 credits of literature (other than biblical), Art History, or Music at the 200 or 300 level.

Note: All courses at the 100 and 300 level require Faculty approval.

3 credits from:

PHIL 200 (3) Introduction to Philosophy 1
PHIL 201 (3) Introduction to Philosophy 2

3 credits selected from the following list (or another approved course in ethics):

PHIL 230 (3) Introduction to Moral Philosophy 1
PHIL 240 (3) Political Philosophy 1
RELG 371 (3) Ethics of Violence/Non-Violence
RELG 376 (3) Religious Ethics

3 credits selected from the following list (or 3 credits in Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, or Philosophy and Western Religions):

RELG 331 (3) Religion and Globalization
RELG 375 (3) Religion, Politics and Society

15-21 credits to be determined in consultation with the B.Th. program adviser.

12 credits to be chosen from among the 300- or 400-level courses offered in the B.Th. or B.A. Religious Studies programs in consultation with the B.Th. program adviser, of which 6 credits may be chosen from the following:

RELG 280D1 (3) Elementary New Testament Greek
RELG 280D2 (3) Elementary New Testament Greek

3 credits in a religious tradition* other than Christianity, such as:

ISLA 380 (3) Islamic Philosophy and Theology
RELG 252 (3) Hinduism and Buddhism
RELG 253 (3) Religions of East Asia
RELG 352 (3) Japanese Religions
RELG 354 (3) Chinese Religions

*Students who have previously completed a university-level course in world religions may replace this with 3 credits of complementary courses.

Old Testament

3 credits from:

RELG 407 (3) The Writings
RELG 408 (3) The Prophets

New Testament

3 credits from:

RELG 411 (3) New Testament Exegesis
RELG 482 (3) Exegesis of Greek New Testament

Christian Theology

3 credits from:

RELG 330 (3) Reformed Theology
RELG 336 (3) Contemporary Theological Issues
RELG 399 (3) Christian Spirituality
RELG 423 (3) Reformation Thought
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Aug. 12, 2016) (disclaimer)

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) - Honours Religious Studies (120 credits)

Students who have achieved a CGPA of 3.30 at the end of B.Th. Year 2 (U2) may apply to the B.Th. Committee for permission to enter the Honours program. They will be required to complete the normal requirements for the B.Th. degree and the honours courses RELG 494 and RELG 495 in the B.Th. Year 3 (U3) with a grade of B or better.

Year 3 (U3) - Required Courses - Honours (6 credits)

RELG 494 (3) B.Th. Honours Seminar 1
RELG 495 (3) B.Th. Honours Seminar 2
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2016-2017 (last updated Aug. 12, 2016) (disclaimer)
Faculty of Arts—2016-2017 (last updated Aug. 16, 2016) (disclaimer)
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