Mission
Building off a foundation of religious studies, students explore different religious traditions in-depth, integrating theory and methodology, and then practically apply their knowledge of religions. In this way, students establish a foundation to pursue research on comparative religious studies and engage in inter-religious dialogue. The specific learning goals of different program levels are as follows:
■ Undergraduate program: Students develop academic and practical expertise in religious studies as well as an openness to dialogue and conversation.
■ Master's Program: Students enhance their research skills to pursue scholarship in comparative religious studies and engage in inter-religious dialogue.
■ Doctoral Program: Students continue to advance their research skills in inter-religious dialogue and comparative religious studies, while likewise enhancing their abilities to pursue more religious scholarship which is cross-disciplinary in nature.
Features
Cultural understanding and human interest; community service and religious expertise; comparative religious studies and inter-religious dialogue.
■ Expert faculty: Our team consists of eleven full-time faculty members and thirty adjunct instructors, whose areas of expertise cover many religious theories and numerous religious traditions from around the world.
■ Curriculum that emphasizes both theory and practice: Students learn about diverse religious traditions, academic theories, research methods, and various applications and practices. There are also career-directed options to become a certified life educator or religious counselor.
■ Diverse pedagogical practices: Besides regular classes, our approach includes religious visitations, field research, audiovisual pedagogy, student exhibitions, religious retreats, the production and publication of religious literary works, and the religious digital humanities.
■ Internationalization: We offer English-taught courses, invite international scholars to give talks and lectures, and organize international conferences and other exchange activities. Students also have the option of pursuing a dual master's degree program which will see them earn a degree both from FJCU and the University of Perugia in Italy.
■ Deepening of community engagement and social praxis: We work with the government and civic groups to boost students' professional skills and ensure that their professional knowledge connects with the needs of the community, industry, and their individual daily lives.