Program information
Religion, Culture and Society offers major, general and minor programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Students may also undertake the major in Religion, Culture and Society together with a major program in another department, or with a major in another faculty. By completing the requirements for the general program together with a major or honours program in another department or faculty, students may obtain a minor.
If you're interested in pursuing a program in Religion, Culture and Society, consult with Andrew Wender, the program director.
Co-op program
Religion, Culture and Society students may choose to participate in UVic's co-op program. Co-op helps you start building your career while you're still at university. It's designed to work around your academic courses, so you'll complement what you're learning in class with practical workplace experience.
Co-op enables you to try out a range of jobs before you graduate; gain work experience and skills; and make connections with employers. And you get paid for the experience!
The Religion, Culture and Society major requires 6 units of courses at the lower level (100 or 200 level) level and 15 units at the upper level (300 level and above)
Required courses
Lower level
RS 200A (1.5) Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam
RS 200B / PAAS 204 (1.5) Introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and the Chinese religions
Plus: 3 units of courses, selected from the list of eligible courses at the 100 or 200 level.
Upper level
Any 3 units from the following courses: RS 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 361
A choice between RS 401 (1.5) Topics in religious studies or RS 403 (1.5) Studies in religion and society.
As well as our Capstone seminar
RS 450 (1.5) Capstone seminar
Plus: 9 units of courses at the 300 level and above, selected from RS offerings and from the list of eligible courses (no more than 4.5 units selected from any one department).
Religion, Culture and Society may be taken as part of a general program, or as a minor, together with an honours or major program in another department or faculty. If any upper level course forms part of the student's honours, major, or general program or other degree program, it cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for the minor in religious studies.
Required Courses
Lower level
RS 200A (1.5) Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam
RS 200B / PAAS 204 (1.5) Introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and the Chinese religions
Upper level
Any 3 units from the following courses: RS 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 361
Plus: 6 units of courses numbered 300 or above selected from the list of eligible elective courses