BA in Religious Studies (Co-op) in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

This program explores religion's impact on political systems, economic structures, cultural expressions, artistic movements, scientific developments, and social frameworks across different historical periods and into modern times. Customize your academic journey by choosing from over 100 undergraduate courses spanning global faith systems, Judaic scholarship, Christian heritage, and the interplay between belief systems and social structures. Through our partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University's Department of Religion and Culture, you'll enjoy expanded educational resources. Graduates will develop intercultural awareness, analytical capabilities, and historical perspectives valuable for diverse professions. The co-op option allows you to gain professional experience before graduation. Religious Studies takes an academic perspective on global belief systems, analyzing sacred texts, moral frameworks, and ceremonial practices from their ancient roots in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Western civilizations to their modern manifestations in Canadian society. You'll learn from experts employing multiple analytical lenses - including sociological, linguistic, historical, and theological methodologies. This knowledge deepens appreciation for artistic works, literary traditions, and multicultural dynamics. The curriculum addresses fundamental questions about belief systems and spiritual communities, offering courses in Eastern and Western religious traditions, Buddhist philosophy, Hindu practices, Chinese spiritual traditions, North American religious movements, Christian history, scriptural analysis, theological concepts, moral philosophy, sociological perspectives, gender studies in religion, and the relationship between spirituality and creative expression.