The Study of Religions in Lucerne
Studying
and getting to know the world of religions…
…is both fascinating
and enlightening. Religious beliefs, practices and groups have shaped and still
shape individuals and societies. Speeches and rhetoric of US presidents were infused
with religion not only in the 19th century and continue to be in the
21st; mobilisations on religious grounds, for example in Iran, have
changes the face of world history and global politics. Global migratory
movements have lead to a local plurality of religions, whether in Europe, North
and South America or other parts of the world. Religions influence the behaviour
of individuals as regards clothing, diet, opinions and understanding of gender,
shape the society and politics of communities, and are vital for gaining an
understanding of both past and present. Conflicts and wars, cooperation and
communication processes often have a religious dimension which are vital to be
recognised.
Religion as a part of society.
The study of religion
and religions at the Department for the Study of Religions is undertaken from a
humanities and social sciences perspective. Religious texts, beliefs and acts
have always been a part of society and culture. This social contextualisation
and change should be considered in dealings with religious forms of expression,
whether actions, texts, music, buildings or many other examples. The distinctive
feature of studying religions is its double comparative perspective – on
religions in the present and the recent or distant past, and on religions in
Europe or North America and those outside of modern Western societies. Teaching
and research in Lucerne focuses on the traditions of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism
and forms of alternative spirituality, as well as on the social challenges
brought about by migration and religious plurality.
Focus.
The Lucerne Study of Religions master’s
programme focuses on an understanding of
and theoretical reflection on the dynamics of the proliferation and variation
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? Also, do any tensions, controversies, struggles for social participation
or renegotiations of status develop 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.
