What is Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations?
Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations looks at how different religions and faiths interact around the world.
Contextual theology explores how religious beliefs and practices are shaped by the cultural, historical, and political contexts in which they are found. It looks at how faith interacts with key social issues such as race, gender, sexuality, social justice, and ecology.
Interfaith relations focuses on the dialogue and cooperation between different religious traditions, promoting understanding and reconciliation.
The course covers a range of perspectives: Buddhist-Christian, Buddhist-Muslim, Hindu-Muslim, Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Christian, as well as looking at indigenous traditions.
Why study Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations at Trinity College Dublin?
At Trinity College Dublin we offer an interdisciplinary approach to the study of theology, combining critical thinking with practical engagement.
You’ll be taught by expert faculty who bring experience in areas such as liberation theology, ecumenical dialogue, and interreligious studies.
The course also offers fieldwork visits to different places of worship in Dublin, a research trip to Belfast, and to the World Council of Churches in Geneva (which may be combined with the International Peace Studies visit to the United Nations).
A range of international conferences will be made available for students who wish to participate and become familiar with established and emerging scholars in the field.
What is the course like?
The course encourages a critical, self-reflective approach to theology, helping students develop the skills to engage with some of today’s most pressing social and ethical issues.
Students must take six taught modules (10 ECTS each), comprising one core module (Research and Methods) and five elective modules, and write a dissertation (30 ECTS).
Assessment is carried out through written essays, interactive group presentations, and a final dissertation whereby students will develop research skills.
Modules are taught primarily through weekly classes and include:
- Research and Methods in Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations
- Religions, Politics and Ethics in a Pluralist World
- Reimagining Ecumenical Theology: Dialogue and Difference
- Nature, Grace and Place: Theology, Maps and Territories
- Liberationist and Interreligious Theologies
- Issues in Buddhist-Christian Dialogue
- Muslim God, Christian God: Islam and Muslim-Christian Comparative Theology
- Fundamentalism and Radicalism
- Religions, Conflict and Peace in International Relations
- Reconciliation in Ireland
- Judaism and Jewish-Christian relations
- Internship
Key teaching staff on the course are:
- Dr. Freya Dasgupta
Students on this course may also apply to take up to two modules from one of the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies’ other taught master’s courses for assessment in both Dublin and Belfast: International Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, Theology and Social Justice, and Christian Theology.
What is it like to be a student in Dublin?
Dublin is a culturally vibrant city, with all the attractions of a European capital while still being manageable and accessible. At its centre is the famous campus of Trinity College, with excellent resources for student life: study space, sports facilities, student support, clubs and societies. Guidance on accommodation, visas, healthcare, and more information for international students is available here.
What do students do afterwards?
Our graduates find work in a range of fields, including:
- Second And Third Level Research And Teaching
- Ngos And The Non-profit Sector,
- Ecumenical Agencies
- Elected Public Representatives
- Churches And Religious Organisations
- Policy Research
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Studying on the IT&IS course has been a profoundly enriching experience. The course draws from the intersection between faith, culture and politics in a broad variety of contexts, and is delivered with passion and the highest academic and ethical standards. During my time on the course each module was delivered in reference to the most pressing and up to date global issues, such as anti-racism work, gender equality, environmentalism and post-colonial issues. I was inspired throughout my studies by the ways in which spirituality can empower change.
2020-2021
Scholarships
The Irish School of Ecumenics Trust will make the following scholarship available:
- Contextual Theologies and Interfaith Relations M.Phil. (CT&IR) - €2,000 (1 scholarship)
There is no separate application process. All incoming students who have accepted a firm offer by 25 July 2023 will be considered. For further details please contact srpostgrad@tcd.ie.
Find out more about Postgraduate Scholarships.