One year Certificate programme in “Religion and Politics” – organizers give positive assessment
Ten subjects, three terms, one certificate: for the past year, students at the University of Münster have been able to enrol in the interdisciplinary certificate programme “Religion and Politics” that the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics” offers. This allows them to study from a wide range of courses and learn about different disciplinary cultures. More than 50 students are currently enrolled in the certificate programme, with the numbers rising. “This testifies not only to the relevance of ‘religion and politics’, but also to the great interest that students have in acquiring additional disciplinary skills alongside their regular studies”, says religious studies scholar Astrid Reuter, who designed the certificate programme together with her colleagues Daria Hartmann and Robert Suckro, as well as Jewish studies scholar Regina Grundmann.
The modularized certificate programme draws on research-based teaching from the pooled expertise at the Cluster of Excellence. It is aimed at students at the University of Münster who are interested in the role of religion in politics and society, who are willing to take on the challenges of interdisciplinarity, and who want to learn about the potential of interdisciplinary cooperation. According to Reuter, the feedback after one year has been positive. “We were able to issue the first certificate a few months ago”.
The three-term programme begins with a module on systematic approaches to the topic of “religion and politics”. This is followed by a compulsory module in which students both learn interdisciplinary perspectives on specific issues, and gain practical and core skills in the form of internships. Programme coordinator Robert Suckro explains: “Students can specialize in one of the two areas. The final module then sees students review their experiences in the certificate programme and present a topic that particularly interests them in the form of a short lecture”. Graduates are awarded a graded certificate at the end of the programme. “We have our own examination regulations, which are based on the guidelines for regular degree programmes. This provides clarity for both students and teachers when it comes to examination matters”, says Suckro.
The certificate is open to students from all disciplines and in all degree programmes. “It is particularly interesting for students who want to enter professions in science communication, such as journalism, museums and memorial sites, and in political fields of activity in the public sector, or at NGOs”, says Reuter. “We have deliberately designed the certificate to impart not only disciplinary knowledge but also practical skills”.
Registration is possible at any time; the only requirement for admission is enrolment at the University of Münster. The following subjects are currently included in the certificate: Arabic/Islamic Studies, Protestant Theology, History, Islamic Theology, Jewish Studies, Catholic Theology, Orthodox Theology, Political Science, Religious Studies and Sociology. The certificate is coordinated by the Centre for Religious Studies (CRS). (pie/tec)