Study at St. Thomas More College

Discover your potential as a whole person. As an STM student, you'll have opportunities to develop intellectually, socially, and spiritually. We can’t wait for you to discover more!

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Spring and Summer Course Offerings

Fall and Winter Courses

Official Course Offerings are listed in PAWS.

Remember to check the course attributes for "Class Taught Remotely".
In person courses do not have a specific attribute stating they are in person.

2021-22 STM Courses

Course Descriptions

Anthropology

ANTH 111.3: One World Many Peoples Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

ANTH 227.3: Cultures of Central and Eastern Europe

ANTH 233.3: Anthropological Perspectives on Contemporary Ukraine

ANTH 235.3: Anthropological Approaches to Ethnicity and Ethnic Groups

ANTH 236.3: Ethnicity in Action Ukrainian Canadian Experience

ANTH 298.3: Dene Language and Culture (will be taught in 2020-2021 academic year)

ANTH 330.3: Oral History and Storytelling Anthropological Perspectives

ANTH 354.3: Ritual Spaces in Ukrainian Culture

Classics / Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies (CMRS)

CLAS 110.3: Greek Civilization

CLAS 111.3: Roman Civilization

CLAS 225.3: Women in Antiquity

CMRS 110.3: The Graeco Roman Tradition Evolution and Reception

CMRS 111.3: Medieval and Renaissance Civilization

CMRS 333.3: Exploring Medieval and Early Modern Manuscripts

CMRS 401.3: CMRS Texts and Themes

CMRS 433.3: Advanced Manuscript Studies

History

HIST 115.3: History Matters - Ideas and Culture

HIST 185.3: History Matters - Conflict Law Politics and the State

HIST 202.3: Formation of Europe 300 to 1000

HIST 205.3: Europe and World in High Middle Ages 1000 to 1300

HIST 211.3: Martyrs Mystics and Madmen Making the Medieval Saint

HIST 217.3: The Later Roman Empire Crisis and Continuity from Constantine to Justinian

HIST 218.3: Byzantium and the World 565 to 1453

HIST 221.3: Sub Roman Anglo Saxon and Viking Britain 400 to 1066

HIST 222.3: Medieval England 1000 to 1500

HIST 230.3: Christianity from Constantine to the Age of the Renaissance and the Reformations 300 to 1650 CE

HIST 307.3: Seminar in Ancient Medieval and Renaissance Biography

HIST 309.3: Crusades and Aftermath

HIST 320.3: Pagans Christians Barbarians Identity and Empire in the Roman World

HIST 330.3: Humanist Thought in Renaissance Italy 1300 to 1527

HIST 402.3: Aspects of Late Antiquity

HIST 403.3: Topics in the History of Early Medieval England The Anglo Saxon Renaissance

Philosophy Programs

The St. Thomas More College (STM) philosophy program emphasizes fundamental questions about the human condition and explores the relations between humans, nature, the cosmos and the divine. With its special emphasis on continental philosophy, philosophy of religion, ethics, and ancient/medieval philosophy, STM philosophy programs promote a dialogue between reason and faith, as well as contributes to interdisciplinary programs including Social Justice and the Common Good, Catholic Studies, and Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS).

Pre-theology & Ministry

In partnership with the Sts. Benedict and Scholastica Formation Program of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
Undergraduate philosophy and liberal arts education designed for those interested in Catholic priestly & religious vocation, or theological studies for lay ministry.
Leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Philosophy
- Could also include the Certificate in Catholic Studies

Students in this program are required to meet with Richard Medernach for academic advising to ensure proper course selection.

Academic Requirements Overview

Religion and Culture Programs

St. Thomas More College coordinates the Religion and Culture programs for the College of Arts & Science at the University of Saskatchewan.

The Religion and Culture programs explore the range of religions and religious experiences within particular cultural, historical, ideological, and current settings in order to promote awareness of how religions shape human experiences, societies and cultures. Students will be encouraged to understand themselves better as global citizens by exploring the lived experiences of religions and cultures that are relevant to their work and life in the social realm and collective cultural heritage. Students will develop their intellectual and practical skills including writing, critical and creative thinking, inquiry and analysis.

Graduates of Religion and Culture will be equipped for further study in Religion and Culture or Religious Studies at major institutions in Canada, and/or for careers in a wide variety of professions such as law, social work, civil service, NGO service, and counseling.

Courses included in the Religion and Culture program are divided into three categories as described below:

A: Asian Religions in Cross-Cultural Perspectives:
Courses either focus on specific religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism or examine religions and cultures of geographical areas such as South, East, and Southeast Asia. Courses can also be cross-cultural, comparative, and/or thematic investigations of topics such as gender, post-colonialism, globalization, or historical, philosophical, sociological, anthropological, and literary-critical methodologies in the investigation of religions and cultures.

B: Western Religions in Cross-Cultural Perspectives:
Courses can focus on the religious traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and the encounter between religious thought and modernity in the west. Courses can also be cross-cultural, comparative, and/or thematic investigations of topics such as gender, post-colonialism, globalization, or historical, philosophical, sociological, anthropological, and literary-critical methodologies in the investigation of religions and cultures.

C. Interdisciplinary Perspectives in the Study of Religions and Cultures:
Courses offered from programs other than Religion and Culture by Departments with stated content investigating the academic study of religions and cultures.

Some courses in Religious Studies are taught by faculty in the corresponding department of St. Thomas More College. These courses or sections are designated as STM section in the online Course Offerings.

Select courses at STU (St. Andrew’s College, College of Emmanuel and St. Chad and the Lutheran Theological Seminary) may be taken for transfer credit. Please consult the department for eligible courses at these affiliated institutions.

Major Average

The major average in Religion and Culture programs includes the grades earned in:

All RLST and all courses listed in the Major Requirement A6.

Residency Requirements in the Major

To receive a degree in Religion and Culture, students must complete at least two-thirds of the following coursework (to the nearest highest multiple of 3 credit units) from the University of Saskatchewan.

6 credit units RLST chosen from restricted list in Requirement A1
Minimum requirements in Major Requirement A6.

See Residency for additional details.

Saskatoon Theological Union (STU)

Select courses at STU (St. Andrew’s College, College of Emmanuel & St. Chad and the Lutheran Theological Seminary) may be taken for transfer credit. Please consult the department for eligible courses at these affiliated institutions

Program Requirements

Certificate in Catholic Studies

New in 2021-22!

The certificate in Catholic Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to the academic study of Catholicism from the beginnings of Christianity in the ancient world to the presence of Catholicism as the largest Christian community in the world today. Catholic Studies is intended to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of Catholicism and its history, artistic and literary culture, philosophical and theological thought, and role in contemporary society.

See official listing in USask Course and Program Catalogue.

Major Average

The major average in the Certificate in Catholic Studies includes the grades earned in:

All courses eligible to be used in the program.

Residency Requirements

To receive a Certificate in Catholic Studies, students must complete at least two-thirds of the following coursework (to the nearest highest multiple of 3 credit units) from the University of Saskatchewan.

Minimum credit units required in the program

See Residency for additional details.

Requirements (18 credit units)

The certificate may be completed in conjunction with any degree in another subject area in the College of Arts and Science.

RLST 112.3 Western Religions in Society and Culture
CTST 200.3 Introduction to Catholic Studies
CTST 300.3 Critical Perspectives on Catholic Studies

Choose 9 credit units from the following. 3 credit units must be chosen from each of Area 1, 2, and 3. At least 3 credit units must be taken at the 300-level or higher. Students must choose courses from at least 2 different subject codes.

Area 1: Catholicism and History

HIST 202.3 Formation of Europe 300 to 1000
HIST 205.3 Europe and World in High Middle Ages 1000 to 1300
HIST 211.3 Martyrs Mystics and Madmen Making the Medieval Saint
HIST 217.3 The Later Roman Empire Crisis and Continuity from Constantine to Justinian
HIST 230.3 Christianity from Constantine to the Age of the Renaissance and the Reformations 300 to 1650 CE
HIST 309.3 Crusades and Aftermath
HIST 320.3 Pagans Christians Barbarians Identity and Empire in the Roman World
HIST 402.3 Aspects of Late Antiquity
RLST 221.3 Introduction to Christianity
RLST 253.3 Introduction to Old Testament
RLST 254.3 Introduction to New Testament
RLST 300.3 Hidden Books of the Bible
RLST 363.3 Early Christian Literature Text and Context

Area 2: Catholic Thought and Culture

DRAM 303.3 Advanced Studies in Theatre History I 600 BCE to 1850 CE
ENG 311.3 The Canterbury Tales
ENG 314.3 Early British Drama
ENG 316.3 Middle English Literature of Defiance and Dissent
PHIL 210.3 Medieval Philosophy I From Rome to Baghdad and Paris
PHIL 211.3 Philosophy and Faith Medieval Philosophy II
PHIL 412.3 Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas I
RLST 219.3 Bible and Western Culture
RLST 225.3 Perspectives on Jesus
RLST 229.3 Religion and Sport
RLST 365.3 Bible and Film

Area 3: Catholicism and the Modern World:

HIST 266.3 History Wars Issues in Native Newcomer Relations
INTS 203.3 Cultivating Humanity
INTS 400.3 Critical Perspectives on Social Justice and the Common Good
PHIL 404.3 Advanced Problems in Philosophy and Theology
PSY 261.3 Community Psychology
RLST 210.3 Religion and Ecology
RLST 277.3 Community Solidarity and Social Change
RLST 314.3 Issues in Contemporary Catholicism
RLST 328.3 Jewish Christian Relations in Historical Perspective
RLST 375.3 Religion and Science
SOC 360.3 Globalization and Social Justice
SOC 413.3 Seminar in Sociology of Religion

Social Justice and Common Good Minor

The Minor in Critical Perspectives on Social Justice and the Common Good is an interdisciplinary course of study using the collected insights of various academic disciplines designed to prepare students to be responsible critics of contemporary societies and effective agents for positive social transformation. Students will reflect on the causes and structures of injustice and approaches to social change at interpersonal, communal, national and global levels. As a central concept in Catholic thought on social justice, the Minor will explore the role of the common good in the religious, ethical, philosophical and social science traditions. As part of their course of study, students will be challenged to critically examine historical and contemporary misappropriation and abuse of the constructs of social justice and common good. Through a community service-learning pedagogy, offered in a number of courses, this minor creatively engages faculty, students, and community partners in local and international responses to inequality and marginalization. Cycles of exclusion (e.g., marginalization associated with disability, age, gender, poverty, sexuality, racism, violence, colonialism, post-colonialism, class, speciesism and the environment), urban justice, globalization, and ecojustice are the areas of concentration for empirical, social analyses of social injustice. From these areas of concentration and issues of justice students gain a solid intellectual and ethical grasp of the understandings of the common good.

The Minor average in Critical Perspectives on Social Justice and the Common Good will be calculated using the grades earned in all courses eligible to be included in the Minor program requirements. Students must complete at least two-thirds of the program requirements (rounded to the nearest highest multiple of 3 credit units) using courses offered by the University of Saskatchewan to meet the Residency requirement.

The Minor, consisting of 21 credit units of courses, may be completed in conjunction with any degree in the College of Arts & Science.

This program is coordinated by St. Thomas More College, under the academic authority of the College of Arts & Science. Interested students should contact sjcgminor@stmcollege.ca for additional information.

Requirements

Critical Perspectives on Social Justice and the Common Good - Minor

Ukrainian Programs

The Minor in Ukrainian Studies is an interdisciplinary study of Ukrainian culture, language, history, religion and politics from historical and cross-cultural perspectives. The Ukrainian Studies Minor will provide students with the opportunity, on one end, to engage in the multidisciplinary nature of Ukrainian studies. On the other end, students will be able to pursue the study of one or more aspects of Ukrainian culture which are of relevance to their personal interests, field of study, and future career.

This program is coordinated by St. Thomas More College, under the academic authority of the College of Arts and Science. Interested students should email: ukrstudiesminor@stmcollege.ca for more information.

Requirements

Ukrainian Studies - Minor

The Ukrainian - Regonition program promotes study of the Ukrainian language. The study of second languages is fundamental to an education in the liberal arts, to citizenship in a multicultural nation, and to understanding an increasingly close-knit world. It is an important element in the study of linguistics. Knowledge of a second language is important in many undergraduate and graduate programs and is an advantage or necessity in a wide range of careers. The ability to read and communicate in a second language also opens doors, otherwise closed, to gratifying personal and cultural experiences.

Requirements

Ukrainian - Recognition

Study Abroad Programs

Intercordia

THE INTERCORDIA PROGRAM IS NOT OFFERED IN 2020.

Credit Courses: ENG 215.3 – Life Writing or RLST 377.3 – Living Community, Solidarity, and Social Change

Countries: Dominican Republic, Ecuador, or Panama

Overview

This 8-week immersive service-learning experience challenges assumptions about poverty, development, and culture by inviting students to live with and learn from communities in Dominican Republic, Ecuador, or Panama.

We invite students to live with host families and work in grassroots community organizations in one of these three countries: students can choose to live with campesino (peasant farmer) communities in the Cordillera Central (central mountain range) of Dominican Republic and work on tree-planting brigades or with coffee nurseries; students can live Indigenous Quechua families in the Ecuadorean Andes and work in community-run daycare centres, medical clinics, or in schools; students can also choose to live with campesino families in Santa Fe, Veraguas, Panamá and work with the town’s impressive cooperative, La Cooperativa La Esperanza de Los Campesinos, now nearly 50 years old.

Using a service-learning model, the Intercordia experience begins months before students actually depart! Students complete ENG 215.3 in the winter term to prepare them academically for the experience, and complete RLST 377.3 while abroad. Rather than learning in a classroom during spring term, however, students are invited to reflect upon concepts they learned in their winter-term class and see how they apply, or don’t apply, to their lived experience.

In addition to academic courses, students also participate in four co-curricular seminars that prepare them practically, philosophically, and emotionally. Upon returning to Canada, students also participate in a 2-day reintegration seminar to help them process their experiences in a supportive environment.

Course Descriptions

ENG 215.3 This course is a study of the forms that Life Writing has taken from the Middle Ages to the present, with attention to such issues as constructions of the self, themes, language, and audience.

RLST 377.3 This course offers students an academic framework for grounded reflection on religious studies concepts covered in the prerequisite course. It will be centred on an eight- or twelve-week placement with the St. Thomas More College Intercordia Program in a cross-cultural context. Students will apply concepts from RLST 277, which explored the nexus amongst religion, community, solidarity and social change.

Program Highlights

Dominican Republic

Natural phenomena: hiking through rainforests, visiting waterfalls
Optional trip to Boca Chica
Traveling to walk-in communities in the mountains via mule

Ecuador

Natural phenomena: hiking up mountains and dormant volcanos
Inti Raymi Festival (Festival of the Sun)
Explore the world-famous Otavalo markets

Panama

Hike up Cerro Tute, a local mountain
Natural phenomena: hiking through rainforests, visiting a waterfall, optional tubing down Rio Mulaba
Optional trip to the Santa Catalina beaches

Prerequisites

3 credit units of 100-level ENG or permission of the instructor

Program Coordinator

Caitlin Ward
cward@stmcollege.caEngaged Learning Office
STM 146D

Cost

U of S tuition: approx. $1180 (individual registration and payment)
Program fee: TBD
Airfare: $900-$1200, depending on country placement
Other costs (travel and medical insurance, personal expenses, airport transfers, etc.)

Panama Field Study

THIS FIELD SCHOOL WILL TAKE PLACE IN SPRING 2020.

Credit Course (2018): SPAN 251.3 – The Spanish of Latin Americans

Overview

There is no better way to understand the Spanish of Latin Americans than by traveling to Latin America yourself! This St. Thomas More College study abroad offers students the unique opportunity to learn about Latin American Spanish by traveling to communities in and around la Cordillera de Talamanca, the interior mountain range in Panama.

We invite students to live with host families in Santa Fe, Veraguas, Panama, and learn about the unique revolutionary history of Cooperativa la Esperanza de los Campesinos, one of the largest non-capitalist cooperatives in Central America. Students will meet with some of the cooperative’s founders, observe small-scale sustainable sugar, coffee, and rice production, and drink coffee that was grown and roasted within walking distance of the house in which they are staying.

Using an experiential learning model, this 3 credit unit course will help students understand the colonial history and contemporary reality of the Spanish language in Latin America. Rather than working in a classroom in Panama, students take the majority of this course’s instruction in Saskatoon for 3 weeks with Dr. Allison Smith. Students then immerse themselves in the language and culture of interior Panama for 2 weeks, living with families in the town of Santa Fe.

Program Highlights

Understand the steps of making coffee from cultivation to cup
Learn about the roots of cooperativism in Latin America
Visit an old-style Finca, (El Sendero el mas Bellaco), to understand traditional modes of Panamanian agriculture
Natural phenomena: hiking through rainforests, visiting a waterfall, optional tubing down Rio Mulaba
Learn about small-scale organic rice and sugar production
Optional trip to climb Cerro Tuté, a local mountain landmark
Free day in Panama City to explore Casco Viejo (the old colonial city) or the Panama Canal, or whatever catches your interest!

Course Description

SPAN 251.3 What is the difference between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the mother tongue of more than 193 million speakers in Latin America? Are the distinctions merely an accent change due to geography or are there other social factors at play? Latin American Spanish provides an overview of the linguistic variation found in Latin American Spanish. Core topics include the concept of language variation, the fundamental dissimilarities between Peninsular and American Spanish (including the use of usted, voseo, seseo and yeísmo), the indigenous and African contributions and social variation within the continent.
Note: Successful Completion of SPAN 114 or a 100 level Linguistics class is recommended, but not required.

Program Coordinator

Caitlin Ward
cward@stmcollege.ca
Engaged Learning Office
STM 146D

Cost:

U of S tuition: approx. $615 per 3 credit unit (individual registration and payment)
Program fee for course: $1250
- Accommodation: included
- Meals: included (except for free days in Panama City)
- On-site transportation: included
Airfare: approx. $800
Other costs (travel and medical insurance; personal expenses, etc.,) Varies per person

Apply for Panama Field School

Spring Session in Ukraine

May – June 2020

Credit Courses: ANTH 233.3 Anthropological Perspectives on Contemporary Ukraine; UKR 114.3 and UKR 117.3 Elementary Ukrainian OR UKR 214.3 and UKR 217.3 Intermediate Ukrainian OR UKR 314.3 and UKR 317.3 Advanced Ukrainian

Overview

Develop an understanding and appreciation of Ukrainian language and culture through this study abroad experience! This five-week full-immersion program accelerates students’ learning of the language while also introducing them to the culture of Western Ukraine.

Students attend Ukrainian language classes on weekdays at Ternopil National Pedagogical University, with regular tutorials to develop students’ comprehension and spoken language skills. Students stay with host families who live within easy traveling distance of the university, both to fully immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture and to accelerate their language skills. Students will also have opportunities to visit the mountains and villages surrounding the city of Ternopil, as well as take in the unique architecture of this historical city.

Program Highlights

Two-day excursion to Lviv, the cultural capital of Western Ukraine, home to a 6-storey chocolate factory
Three-day excursion to the Carpathian Mountains
Visit Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

Course Description

Language instruction is offered at three levels, depending on the student’s proficiency. Beginners take Elementary Ukrainian I & II, in which students develop elementary proficiency in speaking, reading, understanding, and writing Ukrainian, as well as learn about Ukrainian life and culture, politics, geography, and society. Those who have taken Ukrainian 30 in high school, or have already completed Elementary Ukrainian are enrolled in Intermediate Ukrainian, which concentrates on improving language skills and expands students’ knowledge of the basic syntactic, morphological, lexical, and phonetic structure of modern Ukrainian. Students already well-versed in the language are offered Advanced Ukrainian I & II.

All students take a placement test upon acceptance into the program.

To hear directly from students about their experience with SSU, visit the program blog here: https://ssu2015blog.wordpress.com/

Prerequisites

Depends on level of courses chosen.

Cost

Program Fee: $$2,385. A $500 deposit is required upon acceptance of your spot in the program. The remaining balance will be due April 1.
Flight: $1300 - $1500
Medical Insurance: Most students are covered by USSU health plan – please check to confirm this!
Traveller’s Insurance and Personal Expenses: At the discretion of students

Program Coordinator

ssu@stmcollege.ca
Engaged Learning Office
STM 146

Apply for SSU

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