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 2026-2027 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 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 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 814 - Queering Religion
This course examines the complex intersection of gender, sexuality and religion and the ways in which religious traditions have shaped and continue to shape complex notions of gender and sexuality in the modern era. It considers a review of feminist, gender studies and queer theories, thereafter we will apply these concepts to case studies. Offered jointly with RELS 314. (3.0 credit units). EXCLUSION: RELS 314.
RELS 822 - Yoga in India and the West
Surveys the history and philosophy of yoga in India and the West. Yoga practicum: estimated cost $90.00.
EXCLUSION: RELS 322.
RELS 828 - Apocalypse
The primary focus of the course will be the theological perspectives and social functions of apocalyptic in select religious traditions. The course will also survey the appropriation of apocalyptic themes throughout history in artistic forms such as art, fiction, and film, with particular attention to our modern times and cultures. Offered jointly with RELS 328.
EXCLUSION: RELS 328
RELS 855 - Black Religious: Theories
Black religions have been central to the lives of Black people in diaspora - sometimes by force, sometimes by choice. This course explores the theories, theologies, rituals and praxes that characterize Black religions with an emphasis on Afrodiasporic experience in the Americas. Students are encouraged to contemplate the role of religions in the lives of Afrodiasporic peoples through critical engagement of relevant fiction and historical research.
EXCLUSION: RELS 355.
Winter 2027
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 821 - Greek and Roman Religions
A study of the development and organization of non-civic religious associations in the Greek and Roman empires using inscriptions, papyri, and literary texts. Insight into religious practices of the Greco-Roman period comes through exploration of groups organized by deity, cult, occupation, or ethnic identity, and the so-called mystery religions.
EXCLUSION: RELS 321
RELS 841 - Spirituality, Secularity, and Nonreligion
A study of concepts intended to summarize positions which are necessarily defined in reference to religion but considered to be other than religious. We explore the origins and presence of perspectives and experiences including the secular, spiritual –but-not-religious, atheistic, and other forms of imitation, indifference, and hostility to religion.
EXCLUSION: RELS 841
RELS 845 - Art and Religion
An examination of discursive, historiographical, and affective aspects of a variety of historical and contemporary artistic expressions (e.g., painting, sculpture, video) through the lens of Religious Studies.
NOTE Field Trip (National Gallery of Canada): estimated cost $55.
EXCLUSION: RELS 345
RELS 854 - Theory in Religion
An introduction to major theoretical approaches to the study of religion.
EXCLUSION: RELS 354
RELS 867 Medicine, Ethics, and Religion
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of some ethical issues that arise at the intersection of biomedicine and religion. These ethical issues include moral distress, consent, beginning of life issues, indigeneity and healing, medically assisted death, gene editing, and anti-aging interventions.
EXCLUSION: RELS 867
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.