Mennonite Studies

Mennonites in Canada and around the world express their convictions through a fascinating diversity of religious and cultural practices. Exploring the past and present lives and thought of Mennonites, in all their variety, allows a glimpse into the place of ethnic and religious minorities in twenty-first century society.

Mennonite Studies is an interdisciplinary minor in the Faculty of Arts that can be combined with existing programs in Arts and other faculties. Through courses in history, religion, and culture, students seek to understand Anabaptist-Mennonite history, culture, thought and practice from the early sixteenth century to the present and explore how this once persecuted minority has interacted with the surrounding society and expanded into a global, multicultural movement.

The Milton Good Library and Mennonite Archives of Ontario enhance the program through unique, hands-on resources for the study of Mennonites locally and around the world.

Students enrolled in any degree program may pursue a minor designation in Mennonite Studies.

Graduates with a Mennonite Studies minor will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Anabaptist-Mennonite origins within 16th century European religious reformations.
2. Articulate the basic religious beliefs of Anabaptist-Mennonites.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of Mennonites from a variety of disciplinary, contextual, and experiential perspectives.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse groups of Mennonites globally and locally.
5. Articulate the present-day role of Mennonites in the organizational and institutional life of Waterloo Region.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the place of ethnic and religious minorities in Canada and their contribution to the creation of multicultural identities.
7. Show basic competency in working with primary source material.
8. Demonstrate understanding of the role of archives in Mennonite studies research.
9. have experienced local Mennonite culture and religion through field trips and volunteer activity.
10. Demonstrate critical research and writing skills.