DIPLOMA IN INTERRELIGIOUS STUDIES (1 YEAR)

Director: Dr. Roy Vettikuzhiyil, CMI

The One-year Diploma course in Interreligious Studies offers the students basic theoretical and practical knowledge about various religious and cultural traditions existing in the world and prepares them to delve into the prospects and challenges of Interreligious dialogue especially in the context of India’s religious pluralism. The programme is structured in such a way that the students become familiar with the foundational teachings and messages of various religious traditions and equip themselves to engage in dialogue with other cultural and religious groups through various academic and practical sessions, workshops and forums. Minimum qualification for admission +2/PUC or equivalent Certificate.

Salient Features

a) The Diploma program includes courses and practical sessions lasting for two semesters. The practical sessions which include workshops, discussions in religious forums, FIRE, seminars etc. require a more active and intense participation by the candidate. The dynamics of the sessions will always be guided by faculties who are well experienced in the field of Interreligious dialogue.

b) The Programme also includes reading assignments from classical texts of the various religious traditions. Its purpose is to invite students to have a deeper knowledge on different religious ethos and belief systems.

c) It is mandatory for every student to write an Integration Paper on any relevant religious topic of his/her interest under the guidance of a tutor. It represents an account of the intellectual journey including the books and articles referred, the fruit of the reading activities, participation in significant religious programmes or meetings, future perspectives of commitment in the field of interreligious studies and dialogue etc.

d) An integral part of the Program is the active participation in FIRE/Interreligious Forums/Workshops, (a cycle of 4 conferences/meetings spread over two semesters) which may also be open to a public audience. The participation in such forums helps the students to learn the value of positive interaction and debate.

e) During the academic year, the Centre may organize some short research/reading sessions and study circles in relation to Indian religions and culture which will also have the participation of renowned international scholars.

f) There will be a study tour arranged for all students which may include visit to different religious centres, meeting Gurus etc. (preferably two weeks Ashram experience in Rishikesh).

Distribution of Courses and Aggregate Marks
Serial Number	Number of credits (ECTS)	Category of Courses	Percentage required for final grade of Diploma
01	34 ECTS	Obligatory Basic Subjects	60 %
02	13 ECTS	Supplementary Obligatory	20%
03	4 ECTS	Seminar and Elective (OAS)	5%
04	6 ECTS	FIRE/Workshops (OAS)	10%
05	3 ECTS	Integration Paper (OAS)	5%
TOTAL	60 ECTS		100 %

 

 

	Semester I
	History of World Religions and the Hermeneutic of Belief in Human Ecosystem (3)
	Christian Spirituality: Foundational Principles (3)
	Hinduism and its Religio-philosophical World Views (3)
	Primitive and Semitic Religions: An Introduction (2)
	Inter-religious Dialogue and Nation Building (2)
	Religious Awakening in the faith traditions of Sikhism and Zoroastrianism (3)
	Shintoism and Japanese Belief (2)
	Vatican Documents on Interreligious Dialogue (2)
	FIRE/Interreligious Forums I (3)
	Inter Religious Dialogue: Praxis (3)
	Seminar: Mysticism and Spiritual Traditions/ Bhakti Movements (2)

 

 

	Semester II
	Buddhist and Jainist Principles and Doctrines: Past and Present (3)
	Biblical Ethics/ Epics and Ethics/Ethical Teachings in Scriptures (3)
	Islamic and Jewish Thoughts: Political and Sociological Impacts (3)
	Role of Religions in ancient and contemporary Chinese society (2)
	Religious Pluralism in the Asian Context (2)
	Dialogue with Non-Believers: challenges and Scope (3)
	Textual Studies of Major Religions (3)
	Elective: Fundamentalism/Terrorism/ Faith and Reason (2)
	FIRE/Interreligious Forums II (3)
	Integration Paper (3)