In this article, I examine the secular dynamics of Quebec's controversial and ultimately short-lived "Ethics and Religious Culture" curriculum (ERC). I argue that the conflicting criticisms the ERC attracted over the course of its brief existence emerged from the tensions inherent in its conceptualisations of religion, learning, and…

This article details the author's reimagining of the undergraduate theory and method course, in which intentional, disciplined comparison is employed to challenge and problematize traditional narratives about Religious Studies as an academic discipline. Doing so helps to answer calls to decolonize our curricula, not only by critiquing historical…

A pre-post analysis of an undergraduate class in conflict resolution offered by the Religious Studies department of a liberal arts Christian university in central Alberta was conducted. Eight different conflict-resolution classes over a stretch of five years (N = 289) completed a 26-item questionnaire early in the term and then completed the same…

How are religious traditions and exchanges between them constructed in textbooks used in Quebec? Through a critical discourse analysis of History and Citizenship Education, and Ethics and Religious Culture textbooks, we find that the Abrahamic monotheistic tradition is valorized, while non-Abrahamic monotheistic traditions and polytheism are…

The Canadian province of Alberta runs a unique school system that offers ten options for school plurality and choice, nine of which provide some form of faith-based schooling. This article argues that Alberta has created a pragmatic version of a "pluriform school system." This system breaks with the assumption, shared by many Christian…

Despite the increased trend towards secularization in state schooling, issues of religion and spirituality have remained important. Increased pluralism within societies through expanding migration patterns is changing the religious and cultural contours of many countries in Europe and North America, and is creating a need for a deeper…

Until recently, spirituality within a university setting was associated with religious studies faculties. Today, it has spilled over into other faculties, such as nursing, business, social work and education. Conferences, research and courses within these professional faculties are increasing as professors and students seek to make meaningful…

The aim of this article is to compare the teaching of religion in government-run primary and secondary educational institutions in Poland and Canada (Ontario and Quebec). The theoretical framework for this work is supplied by the general idea that the school is an organization and social institution. It is concluded that religious instruction in…

In keeping with Alberta Education's goals and responsibilities to develop and evaluate curriculum and to set standards and assess outcomes, the Ministry is reviewing the status and purpose of social sciences courses as part of the high school curriculum. The present social sciences curriculum was revised in 1985. As part of the social sciences…

Two studies were conducted to examine the relations between Marcia's four identity statuses and Allport and Ross's four religious orientations. Revealed that, in both studies, identity diffusion was associated with the extrinsic religious orientation. Potential moderating influences of religious orthodoxy, religious attendance, grade, and gender…

This publication, part of a multi-volume series on religious studies in Canada, offers descriptive examination of religious studies at universities (and some theological seminaries and Bible schools) in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Part I by Gordon Harland and John M. Badertscher, focuses on the development of religious studies in Manitoba. Chapter…

Presents an eclectic crossword puzzle that includes references to many faiths, religious personalities, and specific historical events with religious significance. Finds that this puzzle could be an interesting indicator of religious and historical knowledge (or lack of knowledge) of the average high school student. Includes the clues and word…

Discusses the standards described in the U.S. book "National Standards for World History." Summarizes the book's content and gives examples of specific topics for different grade levels. Believes that world history teachers in Canada should read this book even though it excludes information on the South Pacific, Australia, and Canada.…

This project introduces a syllabus for studying comparative politics among Canada, Pakistan, and Japan. Students learn that comparative politics provides an understanding of how different political systems operate and the importance of culture in understanding politics. Three functions are addressed in the course: system functions, process…