Ecumenical Studies

Ecumenical Studies is an international and interdisciplinary degree program that is taught in English and aimed at students with different religious and cultural backgrounds. While the standard degree program covers two semesters, students may also choose to deepen their studies even further within the four-semester degree program Extended Ecumenical Studies. Based on the assumption that activity in the ecumenical movement requires specialized historical and theological knowledge and on both degree programs’ international and interdisciplinary focus, the overall objective is to make a contribution to the current, continually growing inter-religious dialogue and the relationship between church and society. This aim is reflected in the orientation of the curricula, which is towards the plurality of Christianities, (extra-)European churches and theologies, the types of unity being sought among the churches and within Christianity as well as the concepts of peaceful and respectful interaction among religions. Students are enabled to assess research questions across disciplines and independently solve complex problems while expanding their methodological and analytical competencies. Open reflection on the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of students and instructors is regarded as a central aspect of the research-oriented profile of these degree programs.

Possible lines of work:

Ecumenical activism (coordination of ecumenical relationships), religion journalism, academia (research management, teaching/research at universities, research institutions, etc.), editing/publishing, adult education.