Master of Arts (M.A.) in the Study of Religions
Academic
studies
A master’s programme (MA - Master of Arts) is
the second academic degree within the tiered study system of bachelor’s,
master’s and doctorate. The Study of Religions programme at MA formation
level expands the academic debate on the topic of "religion" and allows students to
individually select a focus with a religious history or systematic comparative focus area. The
master’s programme guides students towards in-depth, independent academic
study and gives them the qualifications they need for subsequent doctoral studies or a challenging professional career. Master’s seminars covering religious methodology
and theory with reference to religious-historical empirical basis form the focus of
the study programme.
Focus of the Lucerne Study of Religions master’s
programme
This programme
focuses on an understanding of and theoretical reflection on the dynamics of
the proliferation and transformation of globalised religious traditions. The
process of globalisation for once regionally restricted religions began as
early as the 19th century. Christianity, Islam and Buddhism had
already spread across multiple countries centuries earlier and became native to
various cultures. Other religious traditions such as Hindu religions and
religions which newly emerged in the 19th century became established
across almost every continent during the 20th century. Which changes
to and dynamics of the adaptation and redefinition of religious teachings,
practices and organisational forms accompany transference into other countries
and cultures? Which social reactions emerge in newly adopted native countries?
Do we observe social tensions, controversies, struggles for social participation
or renegotiations of political status in these new multi-faith situations? From
both a religious-historical and a comparative, analytical perspective, the "dynamics
of global religions" master’s specialisation examines changes and reorganisations
in the context of the globalisation of religious traditions, ideas and
practices.
Research-oriented teaching and learning
Students have the opportunity to contribute to
the department’s current research projects through supervised research work and
thus to be introduced to data collection with methodological considerations,
the contextualisation of religious theory and new research results at an early
stage. This
requires both independent and team-oriented work and may lead to doctoral
studies, which can be undertaken following successful completion of a master’s
programme.
Career prospects
"Dynamics of global religions" master’s students acquire academic skills in the
fields of research, analysis, interpretation and writing. They
are able to assess changes and religions from a critical historic perspective,
weigh up different positions and interpretations and have structured and worked
on demanding tasks independently. A master’s degree – like a doctorate – enables
career opportunities, not only in research and teaching but also in the
associated fields of media, cultural consulting, the authorities, training
institutions and organisations dealing with cultural issues on an international
scale.
Scope and duration
The Study of Religions master’s programme
comprises 120 credit points. A credit point equates to an average workload of
25-30 hours. The
standard period of study is four semesters (two years). Studies
may be undertaken part time.
Composition/structure of studies
For specialised study programmes:
The
subject of the study of religions can be taken as a major or a minor within a
specialised study programme. The study content and requirements are detailed in the study and examination regulations
(StuPo 2006, StuPo 2009, StuPo 2011) and the accompanying guidelines.
Sample study plans can be found here.
Minor subjects
For specialised study programmes:
Any of the subjects offered by the Faculty of
Humanities and Social Sciences may be selected as a minor within a specialised
study programme, provided that they are not already being taken as a major.
Minor subjects may also be chosen from outside
the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and also taken at other Swiss
Universities within the framework of the mobility and study convention with the
Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Zurich, dated 31st July
2001.
Language skills
A good knowledge of English is desirable, as a
large proportion of the literature is written in English.
Latin is not a prerequisite for admission to a
study programme at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. However,
depending on research focuses and interests, Latin may be a necessary skill, so
we strongly recommend acquiring the relevant knowledge.
Graduates wanting to gain a teaching diploma for
upper secondary education following studies in philosophy or history will be
required to demonstrate a knowledge of Latin. Teacher
training courses such as this are not offered at the university.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements can be found here.
Registration
You can register for the study programme here.
Contact
Secretary
Maria Ettlin-Niederberger
Tel: +
(0)41 229 55 82
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Subject academic advisor
Prof. Dr. Martin
Baumann, Head of Department
Tel: +41
(0)41 229 55 80
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Nadja Miczek, senior teaching and research assistant
Tel: +41
(0)41 229 57 15
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