Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others

The Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw offers a unique study program at the master's level called "Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others". This program provides a comparative research perspective on a number of religions that have formed the basis for morality, legal principles, and culture in Asia and Africa for centuries. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, combining religious and Oriental studies within the discipline of culture and religious studies. It is conducted solely in English and emphasizes the study of Buddhism and Islam, contrasting them with the background of other religions and in the context of their impact on society.

The program places a significant emphasis on learning the methodology of religious studies and gaining knowledge on the religious doctrines of Buddhism and Islam. Additionally, students gain awareness of many other religions of Asia and Africa, including religions of Ancient Egypt and Ancient East, Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Shamanism, Alevism, and Karaism. They also learn about the history of their dissemination, main figures, denominations, religious literature, arts and symbols, terminology, current issues, and propagation of these religions in the West. The program devotes much space to discussing the functions of religions in society and implications of law applied in particular regions of Asia and Africa resulting from religions practiced there. It also covers religious practices, rituals, conflicts, and controversial issues resulting from religious background, examples of interreligious relations and dialogue.

To facilitate studying of Asian religions, students learn one of the selected languages, Tibetan or Arabic, enabling them to better comprehend religious terminology. The program also provides individual tutoring opportunities such as consultations, conducting research projects in cooperation with internationally recognized scholars, and participating in workshops. The unique element of the program is the cycle of workshops, conducted in cooperation with followers of Buddhism and Islam, aimed at practical implementation of knowledge obtained during courses and establishing a direct dialogue facilitating mutual understanding. These workshops provide students with a chance to improve their skills and competences in communication with regard to culture and religion, understanding religious notions and symbols, as well as resolving religious conflicts and winning business partners.

The program is designed to develop competences that prepare students to undertake independent research during their Ph.D. studies. Graduates of the program will be able to do research on general issues of religions of Asia and Africa from a comparative perspective, and to properly interpret and express opinions on social phenomena possessing religious background. They will receive a methodological background in the area of religious studies to be used in research, including international one, and knowledge on the cultural artifacts of the studied areas. Graduates will be well prepared to educate society on religious diversity, the cohabitation of believers of various religious systems, and their impact on the development of civilizations.

Acquiring broad social competences will enable the graduate to get involved in the processes of mediation as well as social, cultural, and ideological conciliation. The knowledge and skills acquired during studies will prepare graduates to perform various roles in the global society, working towards understanding of religious diversity and its importance in shaping contemporary society and the world in general. The program is conducted full-time and lasts for two years. The minimum number of students required for the program is five, and the admission limit is twenty. Overall, the program provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain a deep understanding of religions in Asia and Africa and their impact on society.