RS 103G Introduction to Biblical Studies 1
A survey of the literature, history and religion of ancient Israel as seen in its cultural background in the Ancient Near East.
3 lectures, Fall term
Religious Studies (RS)
84 courses in the 1976–77 Undergraduate Calendar, read from the scanned original. The text comes from OCR, so check the scanned page before relying on a detail.
Notes
Faculty listed in 1976–77
Assistant Professor and Chairperson B. J. Hubbard, B.A. (Seattle), M.A. (Marquette), Ph.D. (lowa) J
Professor > W. Klaassen, B.A. (McMaster), B.D. (McMaster Divinity School), D.Phil. (Oxford) G
Associate Professors
A. M. McLachlin, M.A. (Toronto), B.D., Th.D. (Emmanuel) P
Faculty listed in 1976–77
J. W. Miller, B.A. (Goshen), M.A.(N.Y.U.), B.D. \ (Princeton), Th.D. (Basel)
D. Sahas, B.D. (Athens), $.T,M. (Christian Theological Seminar), Ph.D. (Hartford Seminar Foundation)
Faculty listed in 1976–77
A. F. Thompson, B.A. (Toronto), B.Th. (Huron), M.A. (Western), §.T.M,, Ph.D. (McGill)
Assistant Professors
Faculty listed in 1976–77
W.4J. Bildstein, B.A. (Western), S.T.B. (Gregorian), M.A. (Windsor), §.T.D, (Angelicum) J
R. M. Bird, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. (lowa) R
M. D. Bryant, B.A. (Concordia), §.T.B. (Harvard), M.A. (Toronto) R
R. D. Legge. B.A. (Transylvania), §.T.B. (Harvard), Ph.D. (McMaster)
D. R. Newman, B.A. (Toronto), B.D. (Emmanuel), M.A., Ph.D. (Toronto) P
L. L. Newmarch, B.A. (Toronto), B.R.E. (Victoria), M.A. (Columbia) P
R. Sawatsky, B.A. (Bethel College), M.A. (Minnesota), M.A. (Princeton) G
J. D. Whitehead, B.A. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Chicago) J
Lecturers
W. G. Walker, B.F.A. (Cincinnati), M.Ed. (Xavier), M.A. (Marquette) J .
Faculty listed in 1976–77
P. K. Hawkes, B.A. (Queen’s), B.D. (Emmanuel), M.A. (Toronto) P (part-time)
Course Descriptions Religious Studies
a Note 1
Purpose of the Programme in Religious Studies.
a) to expose the student to the issues and problems involved in, and to the nature of the questions raised by, the study of religious phenomena and ideas.
6) to enable him to approach, in a methodical way, the study of the major religious traditions living today for the purpose of encountering and understanding the life and the expression of religion through the various religions of the world.
c) to introduce him to the distincitive features of one or more religious traditions and to the methods for their systematic study.
Note 2
Students majoring in Religious Studies must have their programmes approved by the undergraduate officer. Each student is required to take any 100 level R.S. course in the first year and two R.S. courses in each of the two subsequent years. These courses should be selected from at least two of the following four main categories of approaches ta religious phenomena (the decade grouping of the numbering scheme will guide the student in making this selection).
Course Categories and Numbering Scheme 1) Studies in religious Texts 00-09
2) Studies in the Histury of Religions 10-19A) History of Religions
20-29B) History of the Christian Church
3) Theological — Philosophical Studies 30-39 A) Theological.
40-49 B) Philosophical
50-59 C) Ethics
4) Cultural Studies
60-69 A) Religion and Culture
70-79 B) Religion and the Social Sciences
Note 3 The honours programme in Religious Studies can be found in Chapter 7 of this Calendar.
Note 4
Students at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University may, with the permission of their advisor, take courses in Religious Studies at either university. For details regarding registration procedures and courses available at Wilfrid Laurier University, consult the undergraduate officer, Religious Studies.
Note 5
Courses designated with suffix G (Conrad Grebel), J (St. Jerome's), P (St. Paul's), and R (Renison) are administered by the respective Colleges.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions
RS 104G Introduction to Biblical Studies 2
A survey of the literature, history and religious thought of the Christian community during the New Testament period as seen in its cultural setting in the Greco-Roman world. 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 105J Elementary Biblical Hebrew
A study of the phonemic structure of Biblical Hebrew. elementary technical points, morphology of the noun, verb, etc.; numerals; an introduction to Hebrew Syntax. Written exercises in both Hebrew and English. Reading of selected portions of the Hebrew scriptures.
This course is offered in 1976-77 at Wilfrid Laurier University and in alternate years at St. Jerome’s College. 3 hours
RS 106P New Testament Greek
This course will consist of two parts.
a) An introduction to Greek grammar with appropriate grammatical exercises and development of vocabulary. b) An exegetical study of the Greek text of the Synoptic Gospels, with Mark as the basis.
3 lectures
RS 110 Religions of Mankind 1
An introduction to the religious traditions of the East: history, religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto.
3 lectures, Fall and Winter terms
RS 111 Religions of Mankind 2
Encounter with Judaism, Christianity and Islam: the history and interaction of the three major religious traditions which have shaped the image of the Western World.
3 lectures, Fall and Winter terms
RS 130P Introduction to Theology
A study of the nature of the Christian faith with consideration of questions such as these: How do you speak of God in a secular age? What significance have the Bible and Church doctrines for history and faith? Who is Jesus? the Cross and Resurrection; the question of Salvation.
3 lectures, Fall term
Course Descriptions 375 Religious Studies
RS 131P Introduction to Theology
Further study of the Christian faith to include the questions and issues: What is man? What is freedom? Is there a Christian lifestyle? the new morality; Man and Nature: the Church: Mission and Worship; the Future.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 160R Religion and Culture 1
An introductory exploration of the interrelationships of religion and culture through the medium of the arts. A consideration of the religious dimensions of man’s artistic, personal and social quest in cultures East and West.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 161R Religion and Culture 2
An exploration of religion as the “substance of culture’’ and culture as ‘‘the form of religion’. The manifestation of this relationship in terms of the quest for meaning, the evolution of human sexuality. the creation of the ‘‘good society’’ and the creations of the fine arts.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 203G Wisdom Literature in the Old testament
A study of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes and other wisdom writings in ancient Israel, against their Near Eastern background.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 204G Worship Life in Ancient Israel
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 205G The Hebrew Prophets
A study of the writings of Amos, Hosea, First Isaiah, Second Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel in the historical, social, and religious context of the ancient world and of their influence upon the development of religious life and thought.
2 hours, Winter term, evenings, St. Jerome's College
RS 206G Modern Study of Jesus
An examination of recent approaches to the study of Jesus of Nazareth to determine his significance for the beginnings of the Christian Church and for modern man. 3 lectures, Fall term
RS 207G The Gospel of John
An interpretation of the Fourth Gospel in the light of the situation of the Church at the end of the first century, with an emphasis on the Johannine portrait of Jesus. The letters of John will also be studied.
Prerequisite: R.S. 104G*, 202J* or consent of the
instructor. 3 lectures, Fall term
RS 209G The Apostle Paul: Life and Letters
An examination of the career and thought of Paul as seenin his letters and in the Acts of the Apostles.
3 hours, Fall term, (evenings)
RS 212J Ancient Near Eastern Religions:
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 213 Hinduism
A study of the development of religious thought in India from the Vedic Period to the present. The course will combine a historical survey with a study of representative texts from the religious, philosophical, social, and political thought of the Hindus.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 214 Buddhism in India, China and Japan
This course consists of a historical survey of the essential doctrines and practices of Buddhism in India, China and Japan, along with a study of representative texts from the various schools of thought.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 215 Chinese Religions
A historical survey of the various expressions of Chinese spirituality from the classical period to the present. Special attention will be given to the dynamics between the indigenous traditions (e.g., Taoism) and those imported into China (e.g., Buddhism).
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 216 Islam
An introduction to the life and the personality of Muhammad the Prophet, the Qur’an, the Muslim Tradition, the development of the Muslim Theology and Philosophy, Sufism, Muslim expansion and civilization, Muslim life and piety, and present condition of the religion in the Muslim world.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 217 Judaism
The religion of the Jews through the 4000 years of its existence. An introduction to the history, scriptures and literature, intellectual life and spiritual experience of the Jewish people.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 218 Christianity
An introduction to the Christian tradition in retrospect; the facts and the experiences pertinent to the evolution of beliefs, institutions, practices and cultural expressions, as these elements delineate the essential identity of Christianity as one of the religious traditions of the world. 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 220G Religious Styles in Recent Western History 1
The Fundamentalist Movement. A consideration of religious pluralism in recent Western society. This development will be examined by giving special consideration to the Fundamentalist movement and allied phenomena such as Pentecostalism, revivalism, reactionary political groups, the Jesus People, and the emphasis on the Second Coming.
3 lectures, Fall term
Course Descriptions Religious Studies
RS 221G Religious Styles in Recent Western History 2
The Denominational Society. As above with special consideration given to certain denominations, sects and ethnic groups. The particular groups examined will vary according to the interests of the students and instructor, but might include Mormons, Methodists, Scientologists, Hutterites, the United Church of Canada and
Reform Jews.
3 lectures, Winter term
, 227G*/228G* (Hist. 235G*/236G*) History of
Christianity 1 and 2
The object of this course is to study the historical development of Christianity from its beginnings to the present as well as the institutions and doctrines expressed in the major forms of Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestanism.
3 lectures, Fall and Winter terms
RS 231J The Evolution of Christian Thought: A Catholic Survey
An analysis of the major developments in Christian belief, practice and thought through the centuries.
3 hours
232) Christ and Contemporary Man
A systematic reflection on the revolution in contemporary consciousness, and its significance for the understanding of Jesus in a secular and pluralistic world. ‘
2 lectures
RS 233 P Contemporary Atheism & Christian Faith 1
The sources of atheism in western culture. The God of philosophical proof and the God of Christian faith. Christian responses to contributions to present day atheism made by Hegel, Feuerbach, Nietzsche, Marx and Lenin.
2 hours, lectures & seminars, Fall term
RS 234 P Contemporary Atheism & Christian Faith 2
A continuation of the study of western atheism in representative 20th century spokesmen: Freud, Russell, Ayer, Sartre, Camus, Christian Atheists. New patterns in the restatement of theism.
Prerequisite: R.S.233*P or consent of instructor; 2 hours, lectures & seminars, Winter term
RS 235J Issues in Catholic Moral Theology 1
A study in moral theology of current social problems. Concrete possibilities for individual initiative toward
needed social change will be stressed.
Prereq: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor; 2
lectures, Fall term
RS 236J Issues in Catholic Moral Theology 2
An investigation of the moral implications of an evolving sexual consciousness on the Christian tradition. Prereq: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor; 2 lectures, Winter term
RS 238J The Ecumenical Movement
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 253G History and Thought of Christian Pasifism 1
The Biblical Materials. An examination of the documents of the early church, notably the Bible, with reference to their teaching on war and peace.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 254G History and Thought of Christian Pacifism 2
The Contemporary Discussion. A survey of Christian teaching on war and peace, focusing on the twentieth century discussion.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 255P Christian Ethics 1
An introductory study of the relationship between Christian faith and moral decision as expressed in major ethical writings both historical and contemporary. Special reference will be made to such historical authors as Augustine, Aquinas, Luther and Calvin, and among more recent authors, Barth, Bonhoeffer, the Niebuhrs, Lehmann, Curran and Gustafson.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 256P Christian Ethics 2
A continuation of the study of Christian ethical thinking. Such thematic considerations as the Christian view of human nature, the tension between freedom and law, principle vs. situation, love as an ethical norm and the individual and community, will be discussed with reference to the writers studied in R.S. 255P*.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 262R Religion and Politics 1 .
' An historical examination of the relationship between religion and politics from primitive to modern societies. Special focus will vary from year to year. (Fall 1976 focus will be the Quest for the City). Prereq: 1 full course in RS or consent of instructor 3 lectures, Fall term’
RS 263R Religion and Politics 2
An examination of the relationship between religion and politics in the 20th century. Areas of concentration will vary from year to year, and will include the following topics: The Nazi phenomenon, the Christian-Marxist dialogue in Latin America and Europe, and movements for the ‘‘re-birth of politics’’
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 264P Religion in Can da 1
An examination of religion in Canada with particular attention to topics such as the introduction of Christianity into Canada, Amerindian religion, religious life in colonial times, denominational differences and ecumenism, the impact of religion on social and political activity.
3 lectures, Fall term
Course Descriptions 377 Religious Studies
RS 265P Religion in Canada 2
A continuation of the study of religion into the 20th Century, with special consideratian of issues and motifs arising out of the Canadian experience, e.g., Social Gospel, immigration and national building, ecumenism, the open society and transcendence, and the post-Christian era. Prerequisite: R.S. 264P*. 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 266R Religion and the Film 1
A theological approach to the study of film as a world-transforming phenomenon for man. An assessment of film’s special characteristics as an art form capable of addressing man’s quest for a significant existence. Consideration of a wide range of films and directors, with particular emphasis on Ingmar Bergman.
Film fee $5.00. 3 lectures, Fall term
RS 267R Religion and the Film 2
Anexploration of selected themes — death, evil, guilt, fate, alienation, love redemption — in the films of several of
today’s leading directors: Bunuel, Pasolina, Kurosawa, Fellini, Pintonioni, Polanski.
Film fee $5.00. 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 269 Myths & Symbols of Indian Art & Civilization
An approach to understanding symbols and perennial themes of Indian religion througha study of representative art, architecture and folk-literature of Hinduism, Indian Buddhism and Jainism.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 270P Psychology of Religion
A study of theories of the psychological nature of religious experience, the sources of religious belief and religious significance of psychological phenomena. Topics include faith, doubt, evangelism, conversion, faith healing, mysticism, drugs and religious experience, tongue-speaking.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 275G Religion and Psychotherapy
A review and analysis of the dialogue between theistic religion in the West and the personality sciences since Freud: their respective views of God, man, sin, sickness and the therapeutic process. Clinicians and theorists in psychotherapy and religion from the surrounding community will contribute to the exploration.
3 lectures, Winter term
RS 280G The Parables of Jesus
Detailed examination of the stories Jesus told, their form, method, message, and significance for religious thought, past and present.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 281J Foundations of Sacramental Theology
A study of the nature of Sacrament as an encounter between man and God in Christ. The mysterious. communal, symbolic and personalizing aspects of sacramentality will be discussed. The course will critically examine and evaluate the impact of social change, the secularization process and traditional forms on the sacramental life in the Roman Catholic experience. Prereq: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor. 2 hours, Fall term (evening)
RS 282J New Perspectives in Sacramental Theology
A discussion of sacramental theology in the light of the ongoing renewal inaugurated by the Second Vatican Council through a study of the individual sacraments and their role as meaningful cultic signs in contemporary ' Roman Catholicism.
Prereq: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor. 2 hours. Winter term.
RS 301J Palestinian Archeology
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 302J Covenant Theologies in Ancient Israel
An analysis of the various theologies of covenant developed in the Old Testament, with particular emphasis on the Mosaic and Davidic covenants.
Prereq: RS 103G*, or RS 201J*, or consent of instructor. 2 hours, Fall term
RS 303J Palestinian Archaeology: Field Experience
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 304J Selected Topics in Israelite Religion
Studies in the development of Israelite religion. Prerequisite: RS 103G* {J previously (201J*) or consent of instructor. 2 hours, Seminar, Winter term
RS 305P Intermediate New Testament Greek
Extensive reading of the New Testament, selected sections of the Didache and other related materials. Advanced grammar and syntax arising from the readings. Prerequisite: RS 106 or consent of the instructor. 3 hours
RS 306J Intermediate Biblical Hebrew
Reading and grammatical analysis of selected prose and poetic portions of the Hebrew Bible.
Prerequisite: RS 105J or the equivalent
Note This course is offered at St. Jerome's in 1976-77 through cross-registration and in alternate years at WLU.
RS 308J The New Testament World
A study of the religio-cultural forces which influenced early Christianity. Jewish rabbinic and apocalyptic literature (including the Dead Sea Scrolls), Greek mystery religions and Gnosticism will receive special emphasis. 3 hours, Winter term
Course Descriptions Religious Studies
RS 309G New Testament Themes
A comparative study of the distinctive ways in which New Testament writers view key issues in the early church, e.g., freedom and authority, social responsibility, the role of law, relations with the Jewish religion, the person of Jesus. An attempt will be madc to relate their views to issues facing Christianity today.
Prereq: RS 202J*, 104G*/J* or consent of the instructor. Winter term
RS 313 Modern Religious Movements in India
A study of the development of Hinduism from medieval times to the present, with emphasis on new movements of religion and thought in the 19th and 20th centuries. Prereq: RS 110*, 2]3* or consent of the instructor.
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 314 Zen Buddhism
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 321G (History 347G*) Radical Reformation 1
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 322G (History 348G*) Radical Reformation 2
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 323J (History 353*) Medieval Church History
from 312-1122
A study of the evolution of the dogmatic approach. Topics will include dogmatic, moral and political questions which have affected the teaching of the Church.
3 hours, lectures and seminars, Fall term
RS 324J (History 354*) Medieval Church History
from 1112-1449
A study of the evolution of the dogmatic approach. Topics will include dogmatic, moral and political questions which have affected the teaching of the Church.
3 hours, lectures and seminars, Winter term
RS 325 The Orthodox Church
A study of *‘Eastern’’ Christianity; its history, theology, culture, spiritual experience, and its situation in modern Greece, Russian, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and in the West..
3 lectures, Fall term
RS 329 The History and Methodology of the History of Religions
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 332R Fantasy
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 333J Creativity: A Religious Perspective
An analysis of the concept of divine creation in the Judeo-Christian tradition as a basis for understanding man as a creative being. Emphasis will be given toa theological exploration of human creativity as it relates to work, art, leisure, and sexuality.
Prerequisite: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor. 2 hours, Winter term
RS 334 Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 336P Contemporary Theology
The sources of contemporary theology in 18th and 19th century thought, with particular reference to Kant, Schleiermacher and Kierkegaard. Selected 20th century theologians, including Buber, Barth, Tillich, Bonhoeffer and Teilhard de Chardin. Special attention to current themes such as secularization, the ‘death of God’, hope and the recovery of religion.
2 hours
RS 351J Contemporary Western Mysticism
A theological interpretation of the 20th century search for self-meaning and expansion of consciousness with emphasis given to the following approaches: the psychedelic, the psychotherapeutic, the ecological, the sexual, the monastic, the revolutionary, and the scientific. Prereq: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor.
2 hours, Fall term
RS 352P Situation Ethics
An examination of the new morality that places the emphasis in ethical decision-making on the situation. The course will include consideration of the writings of Fletcher, H.R. Niebuhr, Barth, Bonhoeffer and Lehmann. Prereq: 2nd year standing or consent of instructor.
Nat offered in 1975-76
RS 353 Ethics in Indian Thought
A study of ethical theory in the classical literature of Indiathe Vedas and the Upanisads, the unorthodox systems of the Carvakas (materialists), the Jains and Buddhists, the six orthodox schools and the Bhagavadgita — and in the
modern period — the thought of Tagore, Radhakrishnana, Gandhi and Nehru.
Prerequisite: RS 110* 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 360R Sacred and Profane in the Arts 1
A consideration of *‘the holy”’ and of categories of sacred and profane in the arts, Thematic and methodological issues will be explored in the areas of painting, music, architecture, dance and cinema.
Prereq: Introductory RS course or consent of instructor. 3 lectures, Fall term
Course Descriptions 379 Religious Studies
RS 361R Sacred and Profane in the Arts 2
A continuation of issues in 360R*. Prerequisite: RS 360R* or consent of instructor. 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 365 Religious Issues in Marxism
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 366R Religion and Contemporary Literature 1
A discussion of fundamental presuppositions concerning the relationship of religion and literature in general. Subsequently, an investigation of religion as a factor in literary vision, drawing from a wide selection of writings, including novels, essays, poetry and short stories from Eastern and Western cultures.
Prereq: Any introductory R.S. course or consent of instructor. 3 lectures, Winter term
RS 367R Religion and Contemporary Literature 2
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 373 Religion and Social Change in the Third World
Not offered in 1976–77.
RS 398–399 Directed Reading in Special Subjects*
401 Studies in Jewish Scripturest
RS 402 Studies in the Christian Scripturest
415 Studies in Comparative Religiont
425 Studies in Church History?
430 Studies in Historical Theology
RS 431 Studies in Contemporary Religious Thought+
RS 432 Studies in Selected Theological Problemst
RS 433J The Problem of Authority in Contemporary Catholicism
Not offered 1976-77.
460R *-463R* Special Topics in Religion and Culture Focus on themes, development or the work of individual
thinkers who have devoted study to the relationship of religion and culture.
RS 490–499 Senior Seminars in Special Topics
Seminars are offered each year for senior honours R.S.
students and senior students from other departments who have taken sufficient relevant survey and/or depth courses in R.S. or related disciplines. The instructors of and topics for the seminars are announced prior to the preregistration period. In all cases the instructor’s permission is required.
RS 380 Course Descriptions Religious Studies
Note Every student in the Honour R.S. Programme is required to take at least one of these seminars.
RS 598 Directed reading in Special Subjects for graduate students.
t Students wishing to enrol in a course marked with a dagger (+) should consult the department.