History of Religions

History of Religions

The History of Religions program at the University of Toronto Mississauga explores the importance of religion in the historical processes that make up world history. It situates religion in its historical and socio-political contexts as part of the interplay of forces that constitute the story of humankind, and acknowledges the role of religion in shaping and being shaped by that story. Its approach often involves (but is not limited to) the study of particular religious traditions, the comparative study of religion, and the study of the religious dimension of human experience and of common historical phenomena. Its subject includes ancient and indigenous religions as well as the present day world religions. The History of Religions is therefore an excellent preparation for living and working in a cosmopolitan and multiconfessional world. As an academic subject, it is intrinsically rewarding and can lead to graduate work in a variety of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. It also provides the reading, writing, and analytical skills demanded by a wide range of careers in ministry, government, business, library and museum science, law, teaching, journalism, and community services, such as counselling and social services.

Faculty & Administrators

Professors Emeriti

N.F. McMullin, B.A., S.T.B., M.Th., Ph.D.

L.E. Schmidt, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Professors

C. Emmrich, M.A., DPhil.

S.K. Metso, B.A., M.Th., Th.D.

E. Raffaelli, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

A. Rao, B.A., M.A., PhD.

K. Ruffle, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

K. Smith, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

S. Virani, B.A., M.A., PhD.

Chair

Shafique Virani

Rm. 153A, North Bldg.

905-569-5283

historical.studies@utoronto.ca

Departmental Supervisor

Duncan Hill

Rm. 153B, North Bldg.

905-569-4913

historical.studies@utoronto.ca

Academic Counsellor

Sharon Marjadsingh

Rm. 153C, North Bldg.

905-569-4914

sharon.marjadsingh@utoronto.ca

RLG Programs of Study

Specialist Program ERSPE0151
History of Religions (Arts)

Within an Honours degree, 10.0 RLG credits are required.

Specialists are permitted to substitute non-RLG courses for up to 2.0 RLG credits. A list of courses suitable as substitutions is available in the Department of Historical Studies handbook. Other substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the submission of the relevant syllabus.

Primary concentration: Specialists in the History of Religions must select a primary concentration in one of the following areas: Buddhism, Christianity, Greco-Roman Religions, Islam, Judaism, South Asian Religions, or Zoroastrianism.

Secondary concentration: To cultivate a broader understanding of the history of religions, specialists are to choose a secondary concentration.

Major Program ERMAJ0151
History of Religions (Arts)

7.0 RLG credits are required.

Majors are permitted to substitute non-RLG course for up to 2.0 RLG credits. A list of courses suitable as substitutions is available in the Department of Historical Studies handbook. Other substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the submission of the relevant syllabus.

Primary concentration: Majors in the History of Religions must select a primary concentration in one of the following areas: Buddhism, Christianity, Greco-Roman Religions, Islam, Judaism, South Asian Religions or Zoroastrianism.

Secondary concentration: To cultivate a broader understanding of the history of religions, majors are to choose a secondary concentration.

Minor Program ERMIN0151
History of Religions (Arts)

4.0 RLG credits are required.

Minors are permitted to substitute non-RLG courses for up to 1.0 RLG credits. A list of courses suitable as substitutions is available in the Department of Historical Studies handbook. Other substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the submission of the relevant syllabus.

Students without pre- and co-requisites or written permission of the instructor can be de-registered from courses at any time.