RS 100A Religions of the EastF,W 3C 0.5
An introduction to the religious traditions of the East: history, religious beliefs and | practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto.
Area 1
Religious Studies (RS)
81 courses in the 1984–85 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 1984–85
Associate Professor and Chairperson J.W. Miller, 8A (Goshen), MA (New York), BD (Princeton), ThD (Basel) G
Associate Professor and Undergraduate
Officer
Faculty listed in 1984–85
M.D. Bryant, BA (Concordia), STB (Harvard), MA, PhD (St. Michaels) R
Professor
W. Klaassen, BA (McMaster), BD (McMaster Divinity School), PhD (Oxford) G
Associate Professors
Faculty listed in 1984–85
W.J. Bildstein, BA (Western Ontario), STB (Gregorian); MA (Windsor), STD (Angelicum) J
M.S.. Bird BA, MA, PhD (lowa) R
F.C. Gérard, MA (College St. Dominique, France), BD, STM (McGill), PhD (Hartford Seminary Founation ) P
R.D. Legge, BA (Transylvania), STB (Harvard), PhD (McMaster) P
D. Sahas, BD (Athens), STM (Christian Theological Seminary), PhD (Hartford Seminary Foundation)
Faculty listed in 1984–85
R.J. Sawatsky, BA (Bethel, Kansas), MA (Minnesota), MA, PhD (Princeton), G
A.F. Thompson, BA (Toronto), BTh (Huron), MA (Western Ontario), STM, PhD (McGill)
Assistant Professors M. Kiley, BA (Boston), STM, PAD - (Harvard) J
Course Descriptions
Recreation Religious Studies
Faculty listed in 1984–85
A.J. Reimer, BA (Manitoba), MA (Toronto), MA, PhD (St. Michaels) G
Lecturers
ALL. Evans, BA (Toronto), BD (Emmanuel), STM (McGill), DMin (Andover-Newton) P
R. Kooistra, BTh (Kampen), OTh (Amsterdam) P
Faculty listed in 1984–85
S.A. MacDonald, BA, STB (Western Ontario), MA (San Francisco) J
T. Neufeld, BA (Manitoba), MDiv (Harvard) G
Faculty designated with suffix G (Conrad Grebel), J (ST. Jerome's), P (St. Pauls), and R (Renison) are located in the respective Colleges.
Course Descriptions
Courses not offered in the current academic year are listed at the end of this section.
Introductory Note
Numbers below the course description indicate the area of Religious Studies to which the course belongs. Explanation is provided in the Arts program section.
RS 100A-K
introduction to Religion
An introduction to Religion, religious phenomena, beliefs, ideas, practices and experience through the study of material and examples from the various fields in Religious Studies.
RS 100B Religions of the West Encounter with Judaism, Christianity andF,W 3C 0.5
Islam: the characteristics and interaction of the 3 major religious traditions that have shaped the image of the Western World.
Area 1
RS 100C Religious QuestsF 3C 0.5
Profiles, biographies and autobiographies of individuals in search of ultimate meaning. Persons studied are spiritual seekers from all walks of life: traditional religious figures, artists, novelists, scientists and others.
Area 5
Religious Studies
RS 1000 F 3C 05 Religious Movements A consideration of religious movements, old and new, inside as well as outside the traditional churches. Also, an exploration of religiously-inspired cultural movements in the social, political and artistic realms of society.
Area 5
RS 100E Biblical Studies 1F,W 3C 0.5
A survey of the literature, history and
religion of ancient Israel as seen in its
cultural setting in the ancient Near East. Area 3
RS 100F Biblical Studies 2F,W 3C 0.5
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.
Area 3
RS 100H Catholic TheologyS,F,W 3C 0.5
A study of the principal teachings of the Christian Faith affecting Catholics today. Topics will include Bible and Tradition: worship and sacraments; authority; changing views concerning laity, women, ministry, and ecumenism.
Area 4
RS 100K Protestant TheologyF,S 3C 0.5
An introduction to the study of the sources and issues of traditional and contemporary, liberal and conservative Protestantism.
Area 4
RS 105 Elementary Biblical HebrewY 3C 10
An introductory course designed to tender a reading knowledge of Biblical Hebrew; the sounds and forms of the language followed by the reading of selected texts from the Hebrew Bible. Cross-listed as R&C 140-3C. Taught at WLU.
RS 106 New Testament GreekY 3C 10
This course consists of two parts: 1) an introduction to Greek grammar with appropriate grammatical exercises and development of vocabulary and 2) an exegetical study of the Greek text of the Synoptic Gospels, with Mark as the basis.
Area 3
RS 200 The Study of ReligionF 3C 0.5
An exploration of the nature of religion through: 1) the history of the study of religion, 2) exposure to varying methods and ways of approaching religious phenomena, and 3) consideration of accounts of religious experience.
RS 205 The Hebrew ProphetsS,F,W 3C 0.5
A study of the prophetic movement from Amos to Malachi in the historical.
.social, and religious context of Israel
and the ancient Near East. Area 3
RS 206 Modern Study of JesusF 3C 0.5
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.
Area 3
RS 209 The Apostie Paul: Life and LettersF 3X 05 .
An examination of the careers and thought of Paul as seen in his letters and in the Acts of the Apostles.
Area 3
AS 213 F 3C O05 Hinduism A study of the developments of religious thought in India from the Vedic Period to the present. The course will combine an historical survey with a study of representative texts from the religious, Philosophical, social and political thought of the Hindus.
Area 1
“RS 214 F 3C 05
Buddhism An introduction to the unifying beliefs and philosophical presuppositions of the Buddhist world-view, and an overview of the diverse forms of Buddhism in South and South-East Asia, Tibet, China and Japan. .
Area 1
RS 216 IslamF,W 3C 05 '
An introduction to the Islamic faith and
practice, with a review of the development, achievements and impact of the Muslim community from Muhammad the Prophet to the present day.
Area 1
16.139
RS 217 JudaismS 3 0.5
An introduction to the religious tradition
of the Jews, in terms of beliefs.
practices, ideals and institutions from
the beginning to the present time. Area 1
RS 220 Evangelical ChristianityF 3C 0.5
A descriptive, historical and theological review of the wing of North American Christianity known as evangelicalism, fundamentalism, or revivalism.
Area 2
RS 221 Sects, Cults and New Religious MovementsW 3C 0.5
An analysis of minority religions considered deviant by the dominant society such as the Amish, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses with special consideration of the recent new religious movements including Unification (Moonies), Scientology and Krishna consciousness...
Cross-listed as SOC 225.
Area &
RS 230 History of ChristianityW 3C 0.5
The development of Christianity in its Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant traditions from the time of Christ to the present.
Cross-listed as HIST 235.
Area 2
RS 231 History of Christian ThoughtF 3C 0.5
An analysis of the major theological
developments in the Christian traditions
from the apostolic era to the present. Area 4
RS 236 Human Sexuality and Christian MoralityF,W 2C,10 0.5
An investigation of the moral implications of an evolving sexual consciousress in the Christian tradition. Prereq: Second year standing or consent of instructor Area 4
RS 238 The Ecumenical MovementF 3C 0.5
A study of those unitive efforts which marked the history of the Christian Church, emphasizing developments from the Reformation to the present.
Area 4
16,140
RS 253 The Bible and PeaceF 3C 0.5
An examination of the unity and diversity of biblical views of peace with attention to their relevance for the various dimensions of the contemporary quest for peace.
Area 4
RS 254 War and Peace in Christian TheologyW 3C 0.5
The Contemporary Discussion. A survey of Christian teaching on war and peace, focusing on the twentieth century discussion.
Area 4
RS 255 Christian EthicsF 3C 0.5
An examination of the development of
Christian ethics, the Christian Doctrine of
Man, Christian ethics and society, and
faith and reason in ethical decisions. Area 4
RS 256 Current Ethical IssuesW 3C 0.5
An examination of specific current individual and social problems such as human sexuality, social justice, urban decay, and human rights, in the light of Christian moral consciousness.
Area 4
RS 260 Issues in Science, Technology and ReligionF 3 0.5
A study of the questions raised by the interaction of religious faith with modern scientific and technological approaches to understanding the physical, social and psychological dimensions of our world.
Area 5.
RS 264 Religion in the Canadian ExperienceW 2C,1D 0.5
An examination of the role of religion in Canadian immigration and settlement, education and social reform, political and national identity, secularization and pluralism.
Area §
RS 266 Film and the Quest for Meaning 1F 2C,1S 0.5
An exploration of spiritual themes and issues in the cinema. An assessment of film’s special characteristics as an art form capable of addressing the human quest for a significant existence. Emphasis upon the films of Ingmar Bergman.
Cross-listed as FINE 252.
Film fee $5.00.
Area 5
RS 267 Film and the Quest for Meaning 2W 21S 0.5
A consideration of selected themes -— death, evil, guilt, fate, alienation, courage, love, redemption - ini the films of several of today’s leading directors. Emphasis upon a variety of directors from divergent cultural backgrounds.
Cross-listed as FINE 253.
Film fee $5.00.
Area 5
RS 268A Religious Perspectives in Contemporary LiteratureF 3C 0.5
A discussion of religious perspectives in contemporary literary works. Emphasis will be on religious pluralism as reflected in the culture with a primary focus on man’s search for meaning, both individually and culturally. -
Area 5.
RS 269 Myth and Symbols of the Religions of IndiaW 3C 05 .
An approach to understanding symbols and perennial themes of Indian religion through a study of representative art, architecture and folk-literature of Hinduism, Indian Buddhism and Jainism. Area 1
RS 270 Psychology of ReligionF 3C 0.5
A study of theories of the psychological nature of religious experience, the sources of religious belief and the religious significance of psychological phenomena. Topics include faith, doubt, evangelism, conversion, faith healing, mysticism, drugs and religious experience, tongues-speaking.
Area 5
RS 271 Personality and ReligionW X 0.5
A study of the psychology of personality in its relationship between personality and religious thought, experience and behaviour.
Area 5 i
RS 274 Religious Approaches to Personal CrisesW 3C 0.5
A critical historical review of Judaeo- Christian approaches to emotional and interpersonal problems, with an analysis of the clinical and pastoral education movement in the church.
Area 5.
Course Descriptions Religious Studies
RS 282 New Perspectives in Sacramental TheologyFW: 2C,1D 0.5
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: Second year standing or consent of instructor
Area 4
s
RS 290A Studies in Church and Society-K
RS 2900 J X 10 Gospel and Liberation A multi-disciplinary study of the Christian Gospel as a means to liberation and oppression in pre-modern and modern societies; its role in the theory and practice of Liberation Theologies, especially with respect to Latin America and the Women’s Movement..
Area §
RS 302 The Gospel of JohnW 3C 0.5
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. .
" Area 3
RS 307A Selected Topics in Biblical Studies-D
Special topics will be offered Summer, Fall and Winter, 1984-85. Consult Department.
RS 309 New Testament ThemesW 3C 0.5
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 made to relate their views to issues facing Christianity today.
Prereq: R S 100F or consent of instructor
Area 3
RS 311 Hindu Scriptures Selected Vedic Hymns and Upanishads as well as the Bhagavad Gita andF 3C 0.5
Ramayana will be read in translation and critically analysed with the help of a variety of modern commentaries.
Prereq: RS 100A or 213
Area 1
Religious Studies
RS 313 Indian Spirituality in the Modern EraW 3S 0.5
This seminar course will provide for ‘indepth’ studies of some of the creators of a modern Hindu consciousness: Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tagore, Aurobindo and contemporary gurus.
Prereq: RS 100A or consent of the instructor
Area 1
RS 318 Islam and ChristianityF O05
A survey of the history of the Muslim- Christian relations from the time of the emergence of Islam to the présent, with a special emphasis on the characteristic polemic literature which each community produced against the other.
Prereq: R S 100B or consent of the instructor
Area 1
RS 322 Radical ReformationW 3C 0.5
A study of Anabaptism and its place in the history of the Christian Church and of the Reformation period.
Prereq: Second year standing
Area 2
RS 325 The Orthodox Church A study of “Eastern” Christianity; itsW 3C 0.5
history, theology, culture, spiritual experience, and its situation in modern Greece, Russia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and in the West.
Prereq: R S 100B or 230 or 231 or consent of the instructor
Area 2
RS 331B The Church in the Modern World' W 3C 0.5
A critical study of the church’s roles in contemporary secular society. Area 2
RS 335 Modern TheologyF 3C 0.5
A study of modern thinkers (for example, Kant, Hegel, Schleiermacher and Kierkegaard), with special emphasis on their influence on nineteenth century theology.
Prereq: R S 230 or 231 or consent of instructor
Area 4
RS36 W 3X 05 Contemporary Theology A study of major themes and movements in contemporary theology, with reference to selécted thinkers, such as Barth, Tillich, Buber, de Chardin and Rahner.
Prereq: R S 231 or consent of instructor ’
Area 4
RS 339 Luther and Calvin: The Reformation in Theological OutlineW 3C 0.5
This course will examine the religious experience and the theologies of Martin Luther and John Calvin in their respective historical contexts.
Prereq: One of R § 100H, 230, 231 or consent of the instructor
Area 4
RS38 F 3C 05 Christian Spirituality and Mysticism A study of the spiritual experience and mystical knowledge of great Christian mystics, from the desert Fathers and Hesychasts in the Eastern Orthodox tradition to the mystical schools of the Western Catholic tradition. Prereq: R S 230 or 231 or consent of instructor . Area 2
RS 360 Religion and the ArtsS,F,W 3C 0.5
A consideration of the spiritual dimension in art, both sacred and secular. An exploration of the quest for meaning in the various arts~painting, music, architecture, sculpture, dance, and cinema-encountered through slides, films, recordings, and readings. Prereq: R § 100C or 266 or 267, or consent of the instructor Area 5
RS 370 Dreams in Religious ExperienceF 3c 0.5
The course examines the place of dreams in religious experiance from ancient to modern times. Present day advances in understanding dream symbols will be explored, as well as the possibility of incorporating the use of dreams in one’s personal religious growth and development.
Prereq: R S 271 or consent of instructor
Area 5
16.141
RS 371 Religion and Suicidal BehaviourW 3c 0.5
A study of self-destructive behaviour and its relation to relevant religious concepts. The range of experience from illness to suicide will be explored and related to the concepts of guilt, hope and meaning in the Christian faith, Prereq: R S-271 or consent of instructor Area 5
RS 398 Directed Reading in Special Subjects-399
RS 400A Special Topics in Religious Studies-H
Special topics will be offered in 1984-85. Consult Department.
RS 490A Honours SeminarS,F,W 0.5
A course of study and research designed to provide the student with guidance and supervision towards completing an Honours research assignment.
Prereq: Fourth-year standing and consent of the Undergraduate Officer
RS 490B Honours SeminarS,F,W 0.5
A continuation of the above.
Every student in the Honours A S Program is required to take R S 490A and 490B.
RS 590 Directed Research in Special Subjects for Graduate Students-597 FW R 0.5
RS 598 Directed Research in Special Subjects for Graduate Students-599 R 0.5
RS 203 Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 208 The Parables of Jesus
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 232A Jesus Christ in Contemporary Perspective
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 232B Jesus Christ in Historical Perspective
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 261 Women and the Great Religions
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 263 Religion and Politics
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 265 Unity and Diversity in Canadian Religion
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 268B Religious Perspectives in Contemporary Canadian Literature
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 275 Religion and Psychotherapy
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 281 Theology of Worship and Sacrament
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 290A The Religious Experience of
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 290B The Just Society
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 291A -D Studies in the History of Religion
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 305 Intermediate New Testament Greek
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 306 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 314 Zen Buddhism \
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 316 Canadian Native Religious Traditions
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 323 Medieval Church History
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 324 Medieval Church History
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 331A The Church in the Modern World
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 334 Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 338 Theology in North America
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 344 Theology of Radical Protestantism
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 369B -F Study-Travel Seminar in Religion
Not offered in 1984–85.
RS 382 The Theology of Marriage - Faculty of Science
Not offered in 1984–85.