This list is subject to revision. Schedules for courses that are co-taught with undergraduate courses will be available in July when the University releases the 2025-2026 Timetable. Courses that are for graduate students only will be scheduled after the University Timetable is released, and throughout the summer as instructor and student schedules are arranged.
Fall 2025
RELS 800 - Professional Development Seminar
Monthly seminar series for building graduate students¿ professional academic and alt-academic skills through workshops, Q&As, and presentations about topics including: publishing, conferencing, funding, applying for further graduate study or employment, etc. Topics will be timed to the appropriate point in the cycle of each academic year (i.e. sessions on SSHRC and OGS will occur early in Fall semester). This is a mandatory course. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
RELS 802 Core Course II: Theory in Religious Studies
Looks at recent articulations and applications of theories in the field of Religious Studies. Students will survey and examine a range of theories that define the past and contemporary field of Religious Studies.
RELS 806 - Directed Special Studies 1 (Black Religions)
Advanced seminar providing detailed reading in one contemporary theme or thinker in Religious Studies.
RELS 816 - Living with the Dead: Religion, Culture, and Death (RELS 316)
In this interactive, inquiry-based course students will develop their own research project in order to explore how human beings attempt to live with the dead and to share spaces and lives with those who are no longer alive. (Offered jointly with RELS 316 with additional work required for graduate students.) Fall. (3.0 credit units)
EXCLUSION: RELS 316.
RELS 854 - Theory In Religious Studies (RELS 354)
An introduction to major theoretical approaches to the study of religion. Offered jointly with RELS 354.
EXCLUSION: RELS 354
RELS 856 - Christianity and American Politics (RELS 356)
Christianity has significantly shaped U.S. politics, policies, and societal norms. The course examines this impact, especially in light of the constitutional separation of church and state. It delves into how Christian beliefs influence political ideologies and legislation, and its role in shaping voter perceptions and behaviors. The course also addresses the ethics of religious influence in politics, policymaking, and electoral processes, and its global implications, particularly in foreign policy and international relations. (Offered jointly with RELS 356 with additional work required for graduate students.) (3.0 credit units)
EXCLUSION: RELS 356.
RELS 868 - Religion and Business Ethics (RELS 368)
Students will develop background knowledge and analytic skills necessary to identify and negotiate religious commitments in business relationships and resolve ethical issues around the role of religion in business contexts. We will analyze case studies to explore various ways in which business practitioners can and do address questions arising in everyday interactions in the business world. Offered jointly with RELS 368 with additional work required for graduate students.) (3.0 credit units).
EXCLUSION: RELS 368
RELS 897 - Judaism In The Modern Age 3l/S (RELS 398)
The development of modern Jewish religious thought and practice, including the Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements. The consequences of the Holocaust and the establishment of the modern state of Israel.
Winter 2026
RELS 800 - Professional Development Seminar
Monthly seminar series for building graduate students¿ professional academic and alt-academic skills through workshops, Q&As, and presentations about topics including: publishing, conferencing, funding, applying for further graduate study or employment, etc. Topics will be timed to the appropriate point in the cycle of each academic year (i.e. sessions on SSHRC and OGS will occur early in Fall semester). This is a mandatory course. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
RELS 801 Core Course I: Method in Religious Studies
This course examines and surveys a range of methods used in religious studies. These include qualitative and quantitative methods used in religious studies, such as ethnography, archival research, translation, surveys and more. Students will learn the practice of methods and its application through course work. Winter.(3.0 credit units)
RELS 807 - Directed Special Studies 2 (Esotericsm)
Advanced seminar providing detailed reading in one contemporary theme or thinker in Religious Studies.
RELS 831 - Religion And Violence (RELS 331)
Links between violence and religious beliefs, practices, and institutions; for example, sacrifice, holy wars, scapegoating, and suicide. (3.0 credit units). Offered jointly with RELS 331.
EXCLUSION: RELS 331
RELS 842 - Indigenous epistemologies of the environment (RELS 342)
The seminar deals with the knowledges and practices through which Indigenous peoples conceptualize and approach what the West calls "Nature". Applying their underlying principles, we further analyze contemporary initiatives to promote interspeciesism, and to grant rights to Nature and legal personhood to different elements of the environment. (3.0 credit units). Offered jointly with RELS 342.
EXCLUSION: RELS 342
RELS 846 - AI, Biohacking, and Future Technologies (RELS 346)
This course looks at issues raised by the intersection of religion and human enhancement technologies. We will consider categories of biohacking, AI, and possible future technologies including mind uploading. Engaging diverse religious issues, we will consider what it means to be human and “better.” (3.0 credit units) Offered jointly with RELS 346.
EXCLUSION: RELS 346
RELS 887 Problems in Ancient Mediterranean Religions
An interdisciplinary study of the religions and mythical traditions of Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. Topics will vary according to instructor. The course will have special regard for, but not be limited to, the Levant, and the Greek and Roman world. Winter.
RELS 898 Master's Essay
A research essay. The Master's Essay must demonstrate appropriate competence in the application of theoretical and methodological approaches to a suitable research topic in the study of religion. The Master's Essay will not be subject to an oral defence but will normally be read by one member of the department in addition to the essay supervisor.
More information about our graduate courses can be found in the School of Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.