Bachelor in Religious Studies and Theology

Religious Studies and Theology is a digital interdisciplinary Mono BA Program.

The "Religious Studies and Theology" degree program opens up interdisciplinary perspectives on religion and enables students to conduct their research in the field. The mono-BA program is offered jointly by two disciplines: religious studies and theology.

The program gives students insights into the synergies, complementarities, and controversies associated with different academic perspectives on religion.

In religious studies, different religions in the past and present are researched. For example, it examines how religion and politics, media, medicine, and social behavior influence each other or how digitalization affects religious practices. Religious studies do not decide on the truth or falsehood of religious ideas and practices but is an empirical discipline that uses various theories and methods to research religious traditions and practices.

The study of theology includes an examination of the historical and cultural foundations of biblical texts, current ethical issues, history, philosophy, different theological traditions, and questions of church practice.

The program is delivered fully online.  The program's language of tuition is English.

• If you want to learn more about religion in the past and present
• If you are interested in religious studies and theological issues and topics
• If you would like to study online and therefore from any location
• If you want to study in English

The new program will start in the fall semester of 2024. For further information concerning application and enrolment, see https://www.degrees.uzh.ch/en/50000001/51214380/51214389 

If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact the director of the program, Prof. Dr. Rafael Walthert, via email: rafael.walthert@uzh.ch 

The study program consists of various compulsory modules. Besides these, students can also choose their specializations. For example, it is possible to study with a focus on religious studies or theology. Students will conduct their research in term papers and the bachelor's thesis.

Introduction:

Introduction to the program, its subjects, and the disciplines involved. 

Exercise (scientific methods):

Introduction to scientific reading and writing basics. 

Biblical Traditions:

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament 

Religious Traditions:

History and theology of Islam, contemporary forms of Islamic life 

Methods & Languages 1:

Learning how to conduct participant observation and interviews 

Approaches to the Study of Religion:

Independent study of fundamental texts of the study of religion 

Additional modules of your choice 

Introduction: 

At the beginning of the program, students are given an introductory overview of the different approaches and sub-disciplines in religious studies and theology, as well as an introduction to scientific methods as a practical exercise.

Approaches to the Study of Religion: 

This module group teaches academic positions that are central to the study of religion. In particular, the focus is on introducing fundamental theories and approaches relevant to the current academic debate.

Religious Traditions: 

The bachelor's program includes modules on various religious traditions such as Islam, Buddhism/Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and alternative religions.

Biblical Traditions: 

Students learn about the various forms of the Biblical canons, the main parts of the Hebrew Bible, selected traditions, and the New Testament.

Christian Practices: 

This module group focuses on religiosity currently practiced in Christian communities. A global perspective is adopted.

Ethics and Religion: 

Ethics is also a subject of the degree program. The modules on Ethics and Religion introduce different ethical approaches and their relationship to religious values. Applied ethical problems are discussed based on selected questions.

(Interreligious) Hermeneutics and Philosophy of Religions: 

Understanding religions requires sensitive reflections on one's hermeneutical presupposition and the possibility of understanding the Other. This course deals with different models of understanding which can be helpful in religious and interreligious contexts. Another course will address questions of the philosophy of religion.

Digital Religion(s) Digital Theology(s):

Digitalization also affects religious practices. This module group explores the effects digital transformation has on religious practices.

Social Scientific Study of Religion:

Within the social scientific study of religion, modules will deal with religious practices of different traditions in the present. One focus will be on preparing students for their research. 

History of Christianity During the Ages: 

These modules deal with the history of Christianity. Students will learn about different epochs and their distinctive features in the courses.