Presentation

Educational aims

Specific Objectives: In the context of the global interdependence that characterises the contemporary world, cultural, political, social and economic imbalances and inequalities between different regions of the planet are becoming increasingly pronounced. At the same time, adherence to religious beliefs—though not necessarily to their institutional structures—is growing, counter to the narrative of an increasingly secularised world. Starting from this premise, the degree programme aims to provide students with the interpretative tools needed to analyse contemporary religious phenomena through the study of methodologies, history, hermeneutics and cultural representations associated with the three major monotheistic religions. To support this objective, the understanding of historical-religious phenomena and cultural transformations will draw on historical inquiry methods, allowing students to grasp the key features of religious history, with particular reference to the Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions, from antiquity to the present day. The city of Palermo—often described as the “capital of the Mediterranean” and located on an island that has served as a crossroads of religions and cultures, sometimes in conflict, sometimes coexisting peacefully—offers an ideal setting for this programme. The programme partners consider it essential to maintain a balanced structure between disciplines relating to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, while leaving students free to determine the relative weight given to each tradition. The curriculum has also been expanded from the outset to include the religions of the ancient Mediterranean and Hinduism, and further expansions to include other religious traditions are planned, also drawing on the expertise of the programme’s two academic partners (the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sicily – FATESI, and the Foundation for Religious Sciences Giovanni XXIII – FSCIRE). The structure of the degree programme provides, in the first year, compulsory courses on the sources and methods of the history of religions in general, on the three monotheistic religions in particular, and on the history of Christian Churches and denominations at a global level. These are accompanied by three groups of optional courses focusing on: 1) the hermeneutics of Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Hindu sacred texts; 2) philosophical and theological doctrinal developments within the three monotheisms, both in their contemporary forms (including forms of non-belief) and in their historical evolution; 3) historical, historico-religious, geopolitical and anthropological perspectives on religious phenomena, aimed at equipping students to decode—beyond overly simplistic interpretations—the impact of religious adherence on contemporary cultural, social, political and economic processes. The first-year curriculum also includes a cross-disciplinary seminar aimed at exploring a specific theme—different each year—relating to interreligious dialogue, including the involvement of stakeholders linked to the programme, while also highlighting possible obstacles to such dialogue. It also includes a language laboratory aimed at achieving B2 proficiency (in one of English, French, German or Spanish). In the second year, students take a compulsory course on the history of theological doctrines and choose from two additional groups of optional subjects covering cultural and liturgical representations, ethical elaborations and legal codifications shaped by religious systems, with an extension to ancient Mediterranean religions and the diasporas of religious minorities. Additional free-choice courses allow students to supplement their learning with recommended subjects offering specialised insights in the fields of literature, art, archaeology, political science and pedagogy (the latter also allowing students to earn part of the 24 ECTS required for access to teacher training programmes for secondary schools). A work placement with organisations active in interreligious voluntary work, or with cultural institutions responsible for preserving or communicating religious heritage (archives, libraries, museums, radio or television broadcasters), is designed to help students develop practical skills relevant to the professional sphere. Finally, the degree programme places particular emphasis on the final dissertation, which represents an important initial opportunity for research training within the field of religious studies.

work perspectives

Profile: Specialist in Religious and Cultural Mediation and Communication Functions: This professional profile responds to society’s need for specialists in religious–cultural mediation services and for educators with a solid disciplinary background in the understanding of religious phenomena. Graduates will possess the skills required to foster dialogue between individuals, communities (including migrant communities), and institutions with different religious identities. Skills: CROSS-SECTOR SKILLS Knowledge of the methodologies required to study the historical and cultural identities of the monotheistic religions, their mutual relationships, and their interactions with other religious traditions, within both Mediterranean and global contexts. Ability to apply these methodologies to interpret religious phenomena diachronically and synchronically, placing them in relation to their historical, social and cultural contexts, and to assess their impact on contemporary socio-cultural environments. HISTORICAL-RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL-THEOLOGICAL AREA Knowledge of doctrinal concepts and systems—both philosophical and theological—developed within the monotheistic religions and Hinduism; of the sacred texts recognised by their respective communities, both institutional and non-institutional, and their exegetical traditions; of the main aspects of religious history, including ancient religions, processes of religious globalisation in the modern and contemporary eras, interreligious relations (dialogue, conflict, separation), and diasporic conditions of minority groups. Ability to propose approaches for designing and implementing deeper mutual understanding and integration among individuals and social groups from different religious and cultural traditions, based on the analysis of recurring issues and tensions in the pluralistic, multicultural contexts of contemporary society. ANTHROPOLOGICAL, GEOGRAPHICAL, SOCIOLOGICAL AND ARTISTIC AREA Understanding of the ways and contexts in which, across different social and geopolitical settings, religious systems and communities have shaped concepts of the sacred, artistic, literary and visual representations, liturgical practices, individual and collective moral norms, confessional and state legal systems, and contemporary policies relating to gender equality and the promotion of legality. Career Prospects: Graduates may find employment in: Research centres and institutes dedicated to the study of religious phenomena (public or private), and Institutes of Religious Studies. Religious publishing houses or publishers specialising in religious topics, including media and communication outlets. Roles as experts in interreligious relations and communication, and in issues related to multi-faith social contexts, including cultural mediation. Academic research and teaching in the field of religious studies. In addition, graduates who acquire a sufficient number of credits in the relevant disciplinary areas may, in accordance with current legislation, sit the admission examinations for teacher training programmes for secondary education.

Characteristics of the final exam

The final examination consists in the preparation of a written dissertation presenting the results of a research project carried out—in an original and non-compilatory manner—under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff of the degree programme. The dissertation must address a disciplinary or multidisciplinary topic relevant to religious studies. The final examination represents a significant first step in research training within the field of religious studies.