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Peace, Trauma and Religion

Theology and Religious Studies: Peace, Trauma and Religion

Peacemaking and peacekeeping skills have never been more valued than they are today. During this Master’s programme you will explore and learn about theories, practices, and experiences. You will be well prepared to participate in this growing field of peace and conflict studies.

In this master program we will study different societal challenges from an angle of religious studies and theology. We will do this from both, an outsider perspective and an insider perspective. Teaching takes place in a diverse classroom, with students from many different backgrounds in regards to former education, ethnicity, nationality, gender and religious affiliation. Our aim is to to explore and develop skills for peacemaking, peacekeeping, and reconciliation processes – locally, regionally, and internationally – as well as for conflict prevention and post-conflict care, like trauma healing.

We will look at the fundamental roots of violent conflict in different contexts by reflecting case-studies. We will also look at historical/cultural elements that might foster or hinder peace. We will explore issues as capitalism, discrimination & racism, ongoing colonization as root causes for enmity, and study the influence of these phenomena in religious and cultural ideas and concepts. Together, we will strive to study as a learning community of peacemakers, in order to contribute to our local contexts, as well as on global level. You will not only gain the tools for academic research, but also for advocacy and community work.

A theoretical basis for understanding Peace, Trauma and Religion

You will gain a theoretical basis of these interrelated topics through modules focusing on:

  • theological and interreligious interpretations of peace and justice; 
  • religious roots of violence (including gender justice & racism)
  • ecological justice & climate peace
  • processes of reconciliation as seen from a religious perspective; 
  • healing of trauma; 
  • religion in the public domain.

You will explore and discuss scientific research in the fields of religion, violence, trauma, transitional justice and reconciliation from disciplines such as (Peace-) Theology and Ethics, Islam Studies, Psychology and Practical Theology.

Your study year may start with a summer school (to be announced) in the first week of the academic year (to be announced).

Courses

Compulsory courses

  • Hermeneutics, looking at the skills of interpretation and reflexivity;  
  • General Research Skills, teaching you academic research practices and discussing problem formulation, methodology and analysis;
  • Professional Skills, developing and discussing a portfolio of your own academic and professional qualities. This ensures an individual component as well as the interdisciplinary and interreligious dialogue with students and lecturers from various fields. This course can be adapted as a prepatory course for the excursion.
  • Peace, Trauma and Religion 1: Public Just Peace
  • Religion, Violence and Trauma
  • Your internship and thesis account for your second semester

You will find the study programme with a list of all electives in our studyguide.

Internship and thesis

You will spend the second semester on your internship and thesis work. Your Master’s specialisation will give you a sound theoretical basis in peace and justice studies, trauma healing and reconciliation – all seen from religious perspectives. You will gain the analytical, communicative and operational skills to become an independent professional in the field, both in governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as in religious and spiritual institutions.

Excursion

Peace, Justice and Reconciliation cannot just be talked about in a classroom. It is important to hear narratives and stories from different people, witness conflict-torn places, and also be inspired by people working to transform their societies. For this reason, PTR travels to different places around the world to meet and learn from people working for justice and peace. The annual study trip is part of the educational program in the specialization Master in Peace, Trauma and Religion. Some of the places we have visited are: Colombia, Israel-Palestine, Sarajevo, Berlin, and South Africa. Participation is not compulsory; however, a (relatively) small financial contribution is required from students. Read more about the excursion reports here.

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