Religions in Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others, full-time, second cycle program (S2-PRK-RAABI)(in Polish: Religions in Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others, stacjonarne, drugiego stopnia) | |
second cycle program full-time, 2-year studies Language: English | Opis ogólnyNumber of places: 20, including: 10 places in the first phase, in the June-July qualification, and 10 places in the second phase, in the August-September qualification. The unique study program “Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others” at M.A. level focuses on studying a number of religions which for centuries have formed the basis for morality, legal principles and culture in Asia and Africa. The program provides a necessary comparative research perspective and facilitates dissemination of research results on the religions of Asia and Africa. The program is of academic profile and is provided by the Faculty of Oriental Studies of the University of Warsaw, known for its 90-year experience in academic education about Asian/African cultures and languages. The program, conducted solely in English, is interdisciplinary in nature. It constitutes a unique combination of religious and Oriental studies within the discipline of culture and religious studies. Emphasis is placed on Buddhism and Islam which are contrasted with the background of other religions and in the context of their impact on society. In order to facilitate studying of Asian religions students learn one of the selected languages, Tibetan or Arabic, enabling them to better comprehend religious terminology. During their studies students learn the methodology of religious studies and gain knowledge on the religious doctrines of Buddhism and Islam, as well as awareness of many other religions of Asia and Africa (religions of Ancient Egypt and Ancient East, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Shamanism, Alevism, Karaism) and history of their dissemination, main figures, denominations, religious literature, arts and symbols, terminology, current issues and propagation of these religions in the West. Much space in the studies program is devoted to discussing the functions of religions in the society and implications of law applied in particular regions of Asia and Africa resulting from religions practiced there; discussing religious practices, rituals, conflicts and controversial issues resulting from religious background, examples of interreligious relations and dialogue. Students may obtain individual tutoring (consultation, conducting research projects in cooperation with internationally recognized scholars etc.). The unique element of the program is the cycle of workshops, conducted in cooperation with followers of Buddhism and Islam, aimed at practical implementation of knowledge obtained during courses and establishing a direct dialogue facilitating mutual understanding. These workshops provide students with a chance to improve their skills and competences in communication with regard to culture and religion, understanding religious notions and symbols, as well as resolving religious conflicts and winning business partners. The studies develop competences that prepare students to undertake independent research during their Ph.D. studies. Knowledge acquired while studying the program of “Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others” will allow the graduate to do research on general issues of religions of Asia and Africa from a comparative perspective, and to properly interpret and express opinions on social phenomena possessing religious background. The graduate will receive a methodological background in the area of religious studies to be used in research, including international one, and knowledge on the cultural artifacts of the studied areas. The graduate will be well prepared to educate society on religious diversity, the cohabitation of believers of various religious systems and their impact on the development of civilizations. Owing to the knowledge and skills acquired during studies, the graduate will be ready to perform various roles in the global society, working towards understanding of religious diversity and its importance in shaping contemporary society and the world in general. Acquiring broad social competences will enable the graduate to get involved in the processes of mediation as well as social, cultural and ideological conciliation. The graduate will be ready to work in many sectors of management whose activity focuses on the area of intercultural and multi-religious relations and where conscious approach to different worldviews plays an important role. Thanks to the knowledge and experience gained during studies, the graduate will be ready for innovative human resource management in a multicultural environment with diverse religious views, such as international institutions and enterprises. Acquired skills in the field of sustainable management of a multi-faith and multicultural team will facilitate finding employment in the global labor market, including organizations solving global and local conflicts based on ideological issues. Practical knowledge gained during studies may allow the graduate to find a job in the analytical and advisory sector, as well as in the institutions popularizing culture such as media or editorial offices as well as in the public administration. |
Qualification awarded:
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes:
- knows and understands vocabulary and grammatical structures of the selected Oriental language to a degree resulting from the individualized level of the language knowledge (from A1 to C1)
- acquires detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in the field of religious studies
- knows and understands Buddhist worldview basics and has a firm grasp of regional differences in Buddhism practised in India, Tibet and Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea and in the West.
- the Muslim worldview basics and has a firm grasp of regional differences in Muslim rites as well as the situation of Islam in the West
- the graduate knows and understands the basics of religions practised in Asia and Africa (religions of Ancient Egypt and Ancient East, Judaism, Christianity, Alevism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Shintoism, Shamanism, etc.)
- is knowledgeable about scriptures (sacred literature) of the studied religions of Asia and Africa
- has a firm grasp of the impact of religion on society, in particular in the field of law, religious conflicts, interreligious dialogue, religious rites and practices, art and religious symbols
- knows and understands religious terminology in the field of Islam and Buddhism
- is knowledgeable about the state of research in the field of selected issues of Islam and Buddhism
- knows and understands research methods in the field of cultural and religious studies
- the graduate knows advanced methods of analysis, interpretation and evaluation of religious phenomena
- knows and understands the principles of copy-rights and intellectual property management
- knows and understands research methods with use of information and communication technologies
- use Arabic or Tibetan (or other Oriental) language at A1 level
- use his/her religious studies knowledge in solving problems related to cultural diversity based on a different worldview in professional situations
- use concepts of religious knowledge, including emic concepts of Buddhism and Islam, in order to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and human behavior, as well as differences between cultures based on the discussed religions
- apply the concepts of religion in order to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motivation and human behavior, as well as differences between cultures
- read, analyze and interpret selected sacred texts of Asia and Africa, correctly placing them in a cultural context
- analyze and assess the impact of religion on society, in particular in the field of law, religious conflicts, interreligious dialogue, religious rites and practices, art and religious symbols
- analyze the Arabic terminology related to Islam
- analyze Buddhist terminology on the example of Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages
- apply detailed knowledge of the current state of research to selected issues of Islam and / or Buddhism referring to particular examples
- apply research methods to studies in culture and religion
- apply methods of analysis, interpretation and evaluation to religious phenomena
- formulate research questions of the thesis, select and find sources and studies adequate to the studied problem, refer to various theoretical approaches
- formulate his/her own opinions and conclusions in English in spoken and written form at least on the B2+ level
- use advanced electronic and Internet tools fluently and is able to apply the principles of copyright as well as rights of the intellectual property management
- acquire knowledge independently and broaden research skills as well as develop abilities allowing for a professional career
- continue lifelong learning and is able to inspire and organize learning process of other people
- cooperate and work in a group as well as to establish contacts and build social relations
- establish contacts and cooperate with representatives of different cultures
- the graduate is ready to define goals and methods of achieving them in the field of scholarly, professional and social activities
- conduct a dialogue about dissimilarity resulting from cultural, religious and philosophical diversity and its impact on the shaping of social and political attitudes and economic processes
- accept responsibility for teaching religion, with particular emphasis on Buddhism and Islam
- appreciating value of his own tradition and cultural heritage the graduate is ready to enrich them with knowledge about different religious worldviews of Asia and Africa
- act for mutual understanding and effective inter-religious communication, as well as cultural and economic cooperation
- the graduate is ready to initiate activities for the public interest and to think and act in an entrepreneurial way using knowledge in the field of religious diversity