Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and others MA

The program has a general academic profile, and is provided by the Faculty of Oriental Studies of the University of Warsaw, which boasts more than ninety years of experience in academic education on Asian and 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 the religions of 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 you will learn either Tibetan or Arabic, enabling you to better comprehend religious terminology.

During your studies you will 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 others), 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.

The studies develop competences that prepare you to undertake independent research during your Ph.D. studies. You may obtain individual tutoring (consultation, conducting research projects in cooperation with internationally recognized scholars etc.). Knowledge acquired while studying the program of “Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others” will allow you to carry out 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. You 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. You will also 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. Acquiring broad social competences will enable you to get involved in the processes of mediation as well as social, cultural and ideological conciliation.

The knowledge and skills acquired during your studies will prepare you 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. As our graduate, you will be ready to work in different 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, you 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.