Religious Studies


Religious Studies examines the various religious traditions of the world in their historical and contemporary contexts. It explores the many ways in which religion shapes culture and history, forms values, and authorizes human action.

Overview

Religious Studies examines the various religious traditions of the world in their historical and contemporary contexts.

Religious Studies explores the many ways in which religion shapes culture and history, forms values, and authorizes human action.

The study of religion deals with the deepest and most basic questions of human existence: the meaning and purpose of life, relations with a divine presence and power, interpersonal relations and ultimate human destiny.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, the Religious Studies program adopts a scholarly and analytical approach to the study of religious traditions — as such, it is open to students from all backgrounds, secular and religious.

Courses in Religious Studies at Mount Allison are divided into three streams:

  • Eastern traditions — Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian religions
  • Western traditions — Judaism, Christianity, Islam
  • Religion and culture

In Religious Studies you'll examine important texts, practices, cultural phenomena, and ideas, looking at them from the perspective of history, literature, philosophy, and culture.

Introductory courses lay the foundation for focused study of particular traditions and for upper-year courses that explore how religion relates to themes in the wider culture, such as in the arts, gender issues, and ethics.

    Given the program’s interdisciplinary nature, you may also explore the connections between religion and subjects like:

    • science
    • film and media studies
    • contemporary politics
    • literature, music, and art
    • gender issues
    • ethics
    • the environment

    Religious Studies is available as:

    • BA major (60 credits)
    • BA honours (72 credits)
    • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

    Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

    Careers

    Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

    Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

    With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and on-the-job experience.

    Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

    Popular career paths for Religious Studies graduates include:

    • archivist
    • art dealer
    • human resources specialist
    • archeologist
    • mediator
    • community development officer
    • human rights advocate
    • international development/aid worker
    • foreign affairs specialist
    • religious education administrator

    Alumni Spotlight

    David Spence ('19)
    Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies and Political Science
    Anti-Corruption Specialist, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

    » David Spence (’19) shares his journey from high school dropout to working for the UN

    Testimonials

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    I have been given some excellent opportunities for hands-on learning through research projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. I would recommend the English and Religious Studies programs to students who are interested in pushing the boundaries of their learning, and who want to challenge themselves to examine the literature and culture that surrounds them.


    Percy
    Miller
    '19
    English, minor in Religious Studies
    Ottawa, ON
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    It wasn’t only the opportunity to challenge my previously held beliefs about religion, and either justify them or change them in the face of new and overwhelming evidence that drew me to the [Religious Studies] program, but the opportunity to learn from dedicated, passionate, and experienced academics in the field.


    David
    Spence
    '19
    Honours Religious Studies and Political Science
    Hamilton, ON

    Extras

    Religious Studies student Myfanwy Jensen-Fellows (’18), the 2017 Mansbridge Intern, used her internship to support and advance the lives of women in Nepal

    Experiential learning

    Religious Studies students have many opportunities to extend their learning outside the classrooms, including paid internships, research, teaching assistants, summer work, and field trips.

    Arthur J. Ebbutt Memorial Trust for Religious Studies

    The Department of Religious Studies benefits from the Arthur J. Ebbutt Memorial Trust, which sponsors: 

    • Ebbutt Reading Room — houses Religious Studies library resources
    • Visiting lecturers
    • Scholarships for upper-year students in Religious Studies
    • Field trips

    /current-students/department-religious-studies

    Bachelor of Arts

    Admission Requirements

    Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for persona growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for the Bachelor of Arts.

    Academic Awards

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    Mount A is #1 in scholarships and bursaries


    Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison first in scholarships and bursaries, and second in the number of students who have won national academic awards. To date, 55 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars.

    Next Steps

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