Department of Religion and Culture
The Department of Religion and Culture comprises programs in Studies in Religious Traditions, Studies in Religion and Culture, Anthropology, and Archaeology in cooperation with the U of S Departments of Religion and Culture, and Archaeology and Anthropology. Our religious studies (RLST) course offerings focus on courses in Christianity, Judaism, Gender and Culture. Our anthropology (ANTH) offerings specialize in Eastern European studies. Our archaeolology (ARCH) offerings focus on the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean regions.
Thinking About Declaring an Anthropology Major? |
Thinking About Declaring an Archaeology Major? |
Thinking About Declaring a Studies in Religious Traditions or Studies in Religion and Culture Major? |
|
What can I do with this major? Anthropology Degree Requirements |
What can I do with this major? Archaeology Degree Requirements |
What can I do with this major? Religious Studies Degree Requirements |
Faculty Members
|
|
|
|
|
|
Khanenko-Friesen, Natalia (ANTH)
|
|
Religious Studies, Anthropology, and Archaeology Courses Taught by St. Thomas More College
RLST 110.6 — 1&2(3L)
World Religions
A critical survey of the history, sources and chief characteristics of major world religions, including, in particular, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Particular attention will be given to an investigation of the phenomenon called religion, and to the relationships between religion and culture.RLST 219.3 — 1/2(3L)
Bible and Western Culture
Explores the influence of the Bible on the culture of the west, ancient and modern, with a particular focus on the role of biblical themes, symbols and characters in art, literature, music and popular culture.Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in RLST or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 220.3 — 1/2(3L)
Women in Western Religious Traditions
Study of women in major western religious traditions: influence of conceptual systems and language; women’s embodiment and religion, feminine spirituality, women’s contributions to western faiths, and feminine aspects of divinity.Formerly:RLST 325.
Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
Note: Students with credit for RLST 325 may not take this course for credit.
RLST 221.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Christianity
A systematic examination of the foundations of belief in the major divisions of Christianity - Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism - with emphasis on various theories of revelation, religious authority and public worship.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 222.3 — 1/2(3L)
Intro to Christian Contemplative Tradition
Introduces Christianity from the perspective of the contemplative tradition. Commencing with the pre-Christian Greek heritage the course examines the early Christian period of the desert contemplative life in various mystical writings and contemporary expressions of Christian contemplation.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or completion of 30 credit units at the university level.
RLST 223.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Christian Thought
A study of the fundamental teachings of Christianity - the Trinity, creation, redemption, and sanctification - with an examination of the forms of worship and theories about morality, both individual and social, as these are found in the various sectors of contemporary Christianity.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 224.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Christian Ritual and Worship
Examines Christian ritual and worship through historical and comparative approaches. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of the rites of initiation and Eucharist. Students will examine the contemporary practices of Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 225.3 — 1/2(3L)
Perspectives on Jesus
The findings of modern biblical and historical research will be applied to the figure of Jesus as presented in the New Testament, and to the development of doctrine in Christianity.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 227.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Judaism
An introduction to basic Jewish ideas, beliefs, and practices from the biblical times to the present.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 228.3 — 1/2(3L)
Jewish Religious Thought
An introduction to Jewish theology and treatment of the concepts of God, Torah, and Israel by major Jewish philosophers.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 253.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Old Testament
A basic introduction to the Old Testament, focussing on the historical, literary and theological characteristics of the various writings. Scholarly methods by which they are studied, and their relationship to the history of Israel will also be examined.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
Note: Students with credit for RLST 250 may not take this course for credit.
RLST 254.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to New Testament
A basic introduction to the New Testament, focussing on the historical, literary and theological characteristics of the various writings. Scholarly methods by which they are studied, and their relationship to Christianity will also be examined.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
Note: Students with credit for RLST 252 may not take this course for credit.
RLST 280.3 — 1/2(3L)
Methodologies and Approaches to Study of Religions
An introduction to theories and approaches in the academic study of religion. Origins and development of social scientific, historical, phenomenological and comparative approaches will be examined.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110 or 24 credit units at the university level.
RLST 298.3 — 1/2(3L)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.RLST 303.3 — 1/2(3L)
Goddesses in Myth and History
Investigates the role of goddesses in religion from prehistory to the present, east and west. Combines historical and thematic approaches, focussing on the many roles of the female divine. Ancient goddesses, goddess worship in world religions, and contemporary feminist goddess spirituality, including Wicca, will be examined.Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in RLST or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 314.3 — 1/2(3L)
Contemporary Catholic Thought
An analysis of contemporary Roman Catholic thought with emphasis on the second Vatican Council (1962-1965) and its effects. Themes include identity of and membership in the church, liturgical renewal, post-concilliar forms of spirituality and community, social doctrine, and moral issues.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 315.3 — 1/2(3L)
Eastern Christian Thought First Millennium
A survey of individuals and movements that shaped and influenced the development of Eastern Christianity during the first millennium.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 316.3 — 1/2(3L)
Eastern Christianity Thought Second Millennium
A survey of individuals and movements that shaped Eastern Christianity from the conversion of the Slavs to the present-day diaspora.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 320.3 — 1/2(3L)
Contemporary Protestant Thought
Analysis of 20th-century Protestant thought. Special emphasis given to problems of religious knowledge and to the stance of Christianity in the modern world. Relationship to Roman Catholic thought is included.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 321.3 — 1/2(3L)
Gender and God Talk
An overview of feminist theological perspectives, both as critiques of traditional culture and theology and as constructions of new visions and ways of religious life.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 326.3 — 1/2(3L)
Christian Thought in Art
Introduction to iconography in Christianity with emphasis on exploring the relationship between uniquely Christian themes and art as a bearer of meaning. Attention will be given to the historical and doctrinal developments relating to icons and their use in worship and reflection in early Christianity and the Eastern Christian Churches.Prerequisite(s):A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
Note: Students with credit for RLST 226 cannot take this course for credit.
RLST 328.3 — 1/2(3L)
Jewish Christian Relations in Historical Perspective
Christianity emerged out of Judaism, and this course examines the relationships that have existed between the two religions through the ages. Both Christian and Jewish sources will be examined to develop a critical perspective on this important aspect of western religious heritage.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 359.3 — 1/2(3L)
Women and Bible
Examines historical, social and theological aspects of women’s relationship to the Old and New Testament, the portrayal of women in biblical texts, the interpretation of biblical texts about women, biblical attributions of gender to the divine, the history of women as biblical interpreters, and feminist hermeneutics.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST or WGST course.
RLST 361.3 - 1/2(3L)
Rabbinic Literature
A study of post-Biblical Jewish religious literature, including legal, ethical and theological material. Emphasis will be placed on both methodology and content, with illustrative texts read in English.Prerequisite(s): RLST 227 or 228.
RLST 363.3 — 1/2(3L)
Early Christian Literature
A study of extra-biblical Christian writings up to 150 CE with emphasis on the beliefs of early Christianity, relationship with paganism and Judaism, and the development of internal organizational structures.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university.
Note: Students with credit for RLST 309 or 311 may not take this course for credit.
RLST 365.3 — 1/2(3L)
Bible and Film
An examination of the uses of the Bible in film, including epic films, contemporary retellings of biblical stories, and the use of biblical themes and motifs in cinema. Uncovers the many ways in which biblical-theological themes shape and are shaped by contemporary culture.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110, 253, 254, ENG 298, or 30 credit units at the university level.
RLST 375.3 - 1/2 (3L)
Religion and Science
The course investigates the relationship between Religion and Science. The course takes a historical and transcultural approach, beginning with Ancient Chinese, Amerindian, and pre-Enlightenment European understandings of the issues. Contemporary approaches to the relationship between religion and science are analyzed with emphasis on the influence of physics, evolutionary biology, and ecology.Prerequisite(s): RLST 110.6 or 3 credit units RLST at the 200 level or 48 credit units at the university.
RLST 382.3 — 1/2(3L)
Sex, God and Rock n’ Roll Re-Vamping the Sacred
This course on religion, music, and pop culture will investigate the intimate connections between human musicality and sexuality, and assess their impact on definitions of divinity and the sacred. Theoretical issues include the ideology of sacred/profane dichotomies, musical/sexual taboos, and the politics of gender, race and class as expressed in ritual and liturgy.Prerequisite(s): 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
Note: Students with credit for RLST Special Topics: Sex, God and Rock n Roll: Re-Vamping the Sacred may not take RLST 382 for credit.
RLST 391.3 — 1/2(3S)
Readings in Western Religions
Exposes the student to primary source materials. Emphasis is placed on individual study and research.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 392.3 — 1/2(3S)
Readings in Themes and Methods of Religious Studies
A reading course dealing with methodological issues or comparative themes in religious studies.Prerequisite(s): A 200-level RLST course or 48 credit units at the university level.
RLST 411.3 - 1/2(3S)
Seminar in Religion and Literature
An advanced seminar in religious literature, chosen from either Eastern or Western religious traditions. Student presentations and discussions are emphasized.
RLST 412.3 — 1/2(3S)
Seminar in Religions and Culture
A critical examination of religious ideas, beliefs, and practices in varied cultural contexts.Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units 300-level RLST or 18 credit units RLSTor permission of the department.
RLST 413.3 — 1/2(3S)
Seminar in Religious Thought
An advanced seminar in contemporary religious thought focusing on an important theme such as the nature of religious belief, the problem of suffering and evil, or religious pluralism.Prerequisite(s): 3 credit units 300-level RLST or 18 credit units RLST or permission of the department.
RLST 498.3 — 1/2(3S)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ANTH 111.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Acquaints the student with contemporary social and cultural
variation. The basic mechanisms of society and culture will be explained
within a comparative framework.
Note: Students with previous credit for ANTH 110 may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 227.3 — 1/2(3L)
Cultures of Central and Eastern Europe
Broadly considers society and culture in Eastern and Central Europe,
how the region today is related to both the socialist and pre-socialist
pasts, and how ethnography as a key research tool used by
anthropologists helps to account for sociocultural changes the region is
undergoing since the late 1980’s.
Formerly: ANTH 298.
Prerequisite(s):
ANTH 111 or completion of 30 credit units at the university level,
including an introductory social science course.
Note: Students with
credit for ANTH 298 Special Topics: Cultures of Central and Eastern
Europe may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 330.3 — 1/2(1.5L-1.5S)
Oral History and Storytelling Anthropological Perspectives
Offers an anthropological perspective on stories and storytelling
events, their meanings, interpretations, and applications. Drawing on a
wealth of scholarship generated by folklorists, anthropologists and oral
historians, students will examine current theories and principles of
oral historical research and consider the implications of storytelling
and oral narrative in modern societies.
Prerequisite(s): Any anthropology course numbered 200-235 or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 398 Special Topics: Oral History and Storytelling may not take this course for credit.
ANTH 354.3 — 1/2(2L-1S)
Ritual Spaces in Ukrainian Culture
By applying ritual and symbolic analysis to the study of culture,
this course investigates selected sites of Ukrainian traditional and
contemporary culture in which ritual plays a prominent role. A
comparative perspective is applied with the objective to better
comprehend complex processes of cultural continuity and change in
Eastern Europe and multiethnic Canada.
Formerly: ANTH 398.3 Special Topics: Ritual Spaces in Ukrainian Culture.
Prerequisite(s): Any ANTH course numbered 200 to 235 or permission of the instructor.
Note:
Students with credit for ANTH 398.3 Special Topics: Ritual Spaces in
Ukrainian Culture may not take this course for credit .
ARCH 116.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology
Introduction to the archaeology of ancient Egypt, Meopotamia, Israel and surrounding regions, Greece and Rome. The course examines how archaeologists use material remains to reconstruct ancient societies, focusing on the archaeological characteristics and cultural dynamis of major periods, and the relationship between human communities and the environment.
ARCH 243.3 — 1/2(3L)
Introduction to Archaeology of Ancient Israel and Syria
Introduction to the archaeology of ancient Israel and Syria focusing
on methodology, major sites, and cultural reconstruction from the
development of early agricultural settlements during the Neolithic
period to the major city-states of the Canaanite Middle Bronze Age.
Formerly: CLASS 243.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
Note: Students with credit for CLAS 237 or 243 may not take this course for credit
ARCH 244.3 — 1/2(3L)
Archaeology and Cultural Development Ancient Israel and Syria Late Bronze Age to Hellenistic Period
Examines the archaeological reconstruction of cultural development in
the regions of ancient Israel and Syria from the Late Bronze Age to the
Hellenistic Period, focusing on methodological issues, major sites, and
the defining characteristics of the cultures themselves.
Formerly: CLASS 244.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116 (ARCH 243 is recommended).
Note: Students with credit for CLAS 237 or 244 may not take this course for credit.
ARCH 252.3 — 1/2(3L-1P)
Near Eastern Archaeological Field Work
Introduces students to the excavation and laboratory methods used in
Near Eastern archaeology. Beginning with research design, the course
leads students through the techniques of excavation in the field to the
analysis of artifacts and data in the lab.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units in Archaeology or 30 credit units at the university.
ARCH 257.3 — 1/2(3L)
Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
A study of the archaeological evidence for the reconstruction of
ancient Egyptian culture from the Neolithic through to the Roman
periods, focusing on the particular characteristics of archaeology in
Egypt, major cultural periods, and significant sites.
Formerly: ANTH 257.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
ARCH 258.3 — 1/2(3L)
Archaeology of Ancient Mesopotamia
A study of the archaeological evidence for the development of the
cultures of ancient Mesopotamia from the Neolithic through to the
Persian periods, focusing on the particular characteristics of
Mesopotamian archaeology, major cultural periods, significant sites, and
the relation of urban centres to the surrounding regions.
Formerly: ANTH 258.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
ARCH 356.3 — 1/2(2L-1S)
Development of Complex Cultures in Eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern Regions
A study of the development of complex cultures in the eastern
Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions from the hunting and gathering
societies of the Upper Palaeolithic period to the establishment of
complex urban cultures during the Early Bronze Age, with an emphasis on
the geographical areas of ancient Syria and Israel.
Formerly: ANTH 356
Prerequisite(s): One of ARCH 243, 244, 250 or 251.
ARCH 362.6 — SP&SU(60P)
Field Course in Mediterranean Archaeology
A field course in Mediterranean Archaeology. Participation in a
supervised excavation, interpretation of stratigraphy, architectural
features, artifacts and other physical remains.
Formerly: CLASS 360.6
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 252 and permission of the instructor.
ARCH 385.3 — 1/2(3L-1P)
Computer Applications in Archaeology
Explores the interaction between archaeological theory, excavation
methods, and modes of analysis, and various computer applications, such
as databases, computer assisted mapping and drawing programs, and
geographic information systems utilized in archaeological research.
Prerequisite(s):
ARCH 250, 251 and an additional 6 credit units of archaeology at the
200/300 level or permission of the department.
ARCH 452.3 - 1/2(3L)
Selected Topics in Archaeology
Provides coverage of specialized areas of archaeological analysis,
method and theory. Topics include lithic analysis, pottery analysis,
faunal analysis, study of microwear.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 251 and 3 credit units in senior archaeology.
Note: This course will be packaged together with Arch 362.6 as part of the overseas program. Consult Dr. Chris Foley
ARCH 465.3 — 1/2(3L)
Spatial Analysis of Archaeological Data
Spatial analysis examines the distribution of artifacts, ecofacts and
features in the archaeological record and assesses the extent to which
the distribution reflects past human activity, social structures, etc.
Familiarizes students with theories of spatial analysis and provides
practical experience in applying these theories to archaeological data.
Formerly: ANTH 465.
Prerequisite(s): A 300-level course in archaeology or ARCH 243 or 244.
ARCH 498.3 — 1/2(3S)
Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
