Religion in the Public Sphere (Master of Arts)

Religion in the Public Sphere (Master of Arts)

This master’s programme focuses on the current debate concerning “religion” in various areas of the public sphere. Geographically, the emphasis is initially on Europe, leading to subsequent international comparisons. This concerns the discourse on “religion” (e.g. exemptions for “religion” in social spheres) as well as discourses on individual religions (e.g. Christianity as “cultural heritage”, Islam as a “challenge”, and Buddhism as a “modern philosophy of life”). As such, this M.A. in Religion in the Public Sphere differs from many traditional Religious Studies programmes, which tend to focus on religious practice in religious communities.

Students will be prepared to work in a professional environment that addresses these processes and the fruits of multicultural, democratic societies. They learn to analyse different conflict constellations, to address these constellations confidently and constructively, and to develop sustainable, solution-focused strategies.

The degree programme is offered by the Institute for the Study of Religion in cooperation with the Institute of Sociology. A special feature of the programme is that it gives students the option of gaining a double degree instead of just the master’s degree in Hannover. This is made possible through cooperation with the universities of Södertörn (Sweden) and Roma Tre (Italy).

• Debate concerning “religion” in society and culture
  
• Debate concerning “religion” in educational contexts, politics and law
  
• “Religion” and “secularity”
  
• Discursive research into religion
  
• European perspective and international comparison
  
  

Course Structure

The degree programme can be studied as a home track or double degree track. Both tracks focus on the debate concerning “religion” in a variety of social spheres. The debate is exemplified by the three topic modules “Education and Research”, “Politics and Law” and “Society and Culture”, which mark different arenas of the public sphere. The underlying theoretical perspective on the thematic area is generated together in the “Introductory Module” and expanded on in the “Research and Debates” module. Students practice using the methodological tools required to empirically research the object of investigation in the “Methods” module.

Students from both tracks take the same modules in the first, second and fourth semesters. Students on the double degree track spend their third semester at one of our two partner universities. Students on the home track use this semester to conduct their own research project under supervision or to complete a study-relevant internship.

Preparation of the master’s thesis in the fourth semester is accompanied by an examination colloquium.

Recommended Abilities

• An interest in current social and political development processes
  
• Enjoyment of interdisciplinary discourse and international exchange
  
• A basic knowledge of the theories and methods of religious studies and social sciences
  
• The ability to persevere with exploring an object of research intensively and to thoroughly read specialised texts
  
• A good command of English
  
• Scientific work, creativity, a structured and critical mind-set
  
  

Career Opportunities

• Universities, higher education institutions and non-university research institutes
  
• Science policy and management
  
• Adult education, trade unions
  
• Media, journalism, publishing
  
• Cultural management, cultural mediation, marketing, public relations
  
• Political consulting
  
• International government institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  
• Foundations with an international orientation
  
• Archives, libraries and museums

Further information for students on the website of the Faculty of Humanities