MAS Ecumenical Studies 2024

This MAS is for post-graduate theologians, passionate about research in this field. It provides a possibility to specialise in ecumenism through academic education with theoretical elements and professional insights, as well as in-depth research and fellowship opportunity.

Information

Period

September 2024 - June 2025
60 ECTS credits
One academic year

Language

English

Format

On-site – switch over to online-learning if required

Contact

Location

Geneva

Registration

Registration deadline

30 September 2023

Fees:

CHF 24'500.-

Contribution to the SDGs

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development

Objectives

  • Provide a specialised post-graduate academic programme for theologians who seek to deepen their knowledge in the field of ecumenical studies
  • Give an opportunity for an academic reflection focusing on research within a scrutiny of already gained professional experience and enable a multiplication and a differentiated analysis of cutting edge issues preoccupying the ecumenical fellowship

Audience

Lay or ordained person who has completed a university Master’s degree, preferably in Christian Theology or in a closely related discipline and who is interested in studying ecumenism at university level

Programme

10 modules:

  • Core Course on the History of the Ecumenical Movement
  • Workshop on Intercultural Bible Study
  • Workshop on Practical Theology
  • Ecumenical Study Visits
  • Module of choice from among:
    • Ecumenical Biblical Hermeneutics
    • Ecumenical Missiology
    • Ecumenical Social Ethics
    • Ecumenical Theology
  • Seminar on Research Methodology
  • Interdisciplinary / Intercultural Course
  • Research Fellowship
  • Research Seminar
  • Master Thesis

Director(s)

Prof. Elisabeth GANGLOFF PARMENTIER, Faculty of Theology, University of Geneva and Prof. Simone SINN, Ecumenical Institute of Bossey

Coordinator(s)

Simone SINN, Ecumenical Institute of Bossey

Diploma delivered jointly by

University of Geneva, Ecumenical Institute of Bossey

Description

The core course offers an overview of the genesis, development and institutionalisation of modern ecumenism, as well as an introduction to selected contemporary themes and challenges in relation to a globalised world and a changed ecclesial and religious landscape. The core course is conducted in form of plenary lectures and requires regular participation and a successful final oral exam.

Description

The workshop gives an opportunity to deepen exegetical competencies,  an introduction  to  the plurality of Biblical contextual interpretation paradigms and an evaluation of their ecumenical relevance. The workshop requires regular participation and fulfilment of possible task assignments.

Description

The workshop provides a reflected experience on the historical-cultural modes of theological transmission, and more specifically on their (liturgical) communication and consideration of the ecumenical dimensions of translating theology practically. The workshop requires regular participation and fulfillment of possible task assignments.

Description

During the ecumenical study visit students will have an opportunity to gain reflected practical insights and overviews on the way of practice, organization and spiritual life of the work of different ecumenical actors, particularly those of different Christian confessional traditions. The following visits are usually planned: the Orthodox Centre of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambésy, Switzerland, the Vatican and Rome, Italy, the Taizé Community, France, local parishes of the Reformed Protestant Church in Switzerland. The study visits require full participation and the submission of reports.

Description

The seminar offers students the possibility to deepen their knowledge in research techniques, conventions and methodologies. It seeks to apply these competencies to the context of practical research work and leads to the draft of a research proposal. The seminar requires regular participation, and the submission and presentation of a research proposal.

Description

The course aims at offering students the opportunity to study selected  topics pertaining to ecumenism in  an interdisciplinary and intercultural manner. The course requires regular participation, the readiness to take on class presentations and other possible task assignments.

Description

The module offers an intensive introduction and study of exegetical methods in relation to the biblical literature, as well as an initiation to biblical research with regard to the vision of reconciliation and human unity in general and of the Christian churches in particular.

Description

The module provides an intensive introduction and study of areas common to missiology (theology of mission), ecumenical theology or theology of religions.

Description

The module offers an intensive introduction and study of areas common to ecumenical theology, systematic theology and social science of religions, which pertain to the challenges arising from the complexity and plurality of globalised societies, as well as the exploration of ecumenical ethical responses.

Description

The module provides an intensive introduction and study of areas of ecumenical theological research on the search for ecclesial communion as the focal point of ecumenism.

Each module of choice requires regular participation and fulfillment of all task assignments. Evaluation includes an oral exam and the writing of a research paper.

Description

The research fellowship at the WCC or in an ecumenical organisation or a partner institution related to the students' research areas, is destined to offer a profiled insight into the practical work of an ecumenical organisation or a specialised institution related to ecumenism. The fellowship requires regular participation over the entire period and the submission of an essay on the experiences gained.

Description

The research workshop builds upon and deepens the study contents of the seminar on research methodology, addresses specific questions and challenges of the research process, and offers a regular and qualified accompaniment in the individual research design and drafting process of the students. The workshop requires regular participation and fulfillment of possible other task assignments.

Description

The thesis (10 000 words) is written in one of the academic disciplines offered at the Ecumenical Institute, and has to be submitted and successfully defended at the end of the study period.

Admission criteria

For students having completed a university Master's degree, preferably in Christian theology or in a closely related discipline.

Contribution to the SDGs

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development