Religious Studies will become Religion, Culture, and Spirituality

As of Fall 2025, all Religious Studies programs will be renamed Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. Courses will no longer have the “RS” subject code but will have an “RCS” subject code.

The changes were made to reflect changes in the discipline and to better align with how courses are being taught. Religions are complex systems with social, political, economic, material, philosophical, ethical, and spiritual aspects. Thus, this field of study examines the complex interactions between cultures, “religions,” and those who may embrace the label of “spirituality” but be suspicious of the category of religion. RCS courses are open to all students, with or without a religious or spiritual affiliation.

While the names of the programs are changing, there is no change to the requirements of any of the programs (Honours, 4-year General, 3-year General, Minor).

Students who are enrolled in a Religious Studies program on September 1, 2025 will have a choice. The default is that their program name will remain the same, though RCS course will now count towards their requirements for the major. They may also choose to switch to the new program name. To do so, they should contact the academic advisor for Religion, Culture, and Spirituality.