About
If you're curious about the historical, cultural and political roots and ongoing influence of two major world religions, Judaism and Christianity, this Certificate of Proficiency in Jewish and Christian Origins will give you new insights and critical perspectives from a variety of disciplines (Religion and Culture, History, Philosophy, Archaeology, Classics) that will help to make you an informed global citizen.
- Certificate program
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will study the origins, development of and cultural impact of two world religions, Judaism and Christianity, from their beginnings in ancient Israel to the parallel developments of rabbinic Judaism and emergent Christianity subsequent to the first Jewish War of 70 C.E. to Late Antiquity, including some coverage of the origins of Islam in relation to Judaism and Christianity.
RLST 219: Bible and Western Culture
Explores the influence of the Bible on the culture of the west, ancient and modern, with a particular focus on the role of biblical themes, symbols and characters in art, literature, music and popular culture.
ARCH 116: Introduction to Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology
Introduction to the archaeology of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel and surrounding regions, Greece and Rome. The course examines how archaeologists use material remains to reconstruct ancient societies, focusing on the archaeological characteristics and cultural dynamics of major periods, and the relationship between human communities and the environment.
RLST 301: Apocalyptic Then and Now
This course investigates apocalyptic thought and literature in Judaism and Christianity. The primary focus is the religious perspectives and social functions of apocalyptic, with a brief discussion of contemporary Muslim apocalyptic. It will also survey the appropriation of apocalyptic themes throughout history in millenarian movements and in artistic forms such as art, fiction, and film, with special attention to apocalyptic in contemporary culture.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Careers
Some career opportunities include:
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Political consultant
- Social service worker
- Humanitarian aid worker
- Religious minister
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $746 per 3 credit unit class | $3,611 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The Certificate in Jewish and Christian Origins is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, please apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science and after you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
