Master Program for Chinese Religious Studies in English Fudan University (Shanghai, China)

Transcription

1 Master Program for Religious Studies in English Fudan University (Shanghai, China) 1. Overview China has been called land of (the) gods since ancient times. people are intimately familiar with unique religious experience as well as practice. Other than Abrahamic or Hindu religions, religions form a distinctive system. In recent decades, discussion in the public sphere as well as in academic research on religions has become a cross-cultural phenomenon, both in the tide of globalization and revitalization of faith. For the purpose of training the promising young scholars in the field of religions, the School of Philosophy at Fudan University plans to launch a master program for religious studies conducted in English. The program starts in the fall semester 2015 and is now open for applications from around the world. Unique features l First and so far the only master program for religious studies (in English) offered in Mainland China; l Comprehensive and systematic academic training about religions; l Unique location and indispensable resources for field studies; l Direct access to local religious communities and venues, as well as personal contacts with prominent religious leaders; l Possibilities of attaining scholarships; l Master degree conferred by Fudan University (acknowledged by the Ministry of Education) after obtaining the required credits and passing the thesis defense. Fudan University is located in Shanghai, the most dynamic and international mega-metropolis of China. Besides the cultural diversity and vital economic life, this city and the surrounding areas are also known for their abundant resources of all religions, both historical and contemporary. The School of Philosophy at Fudan 1 / 7

2 University has long been cooperating and dialoguing with all religious communities in Shanghai as well as other cities in Mainland China. This program plans to organize regular site visits and field research opportunities for all students so that students can learn from direct encounter with living religions, besides understanding theory and studying classical texts. Based in Shanghai, this program also facilitates excursions to adjacent provinces, such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In the near future, this program will offer intensive courses and exchange semesters with leading universities and research institutes in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and South-East Asia. 2. The Department, the School, and the University Fudan University was founded in It is one of Mainland China s top universities. The School of Philosophy ranked 17 (the highest in Asia) in QS World University Rankings in The affiliated Department of Religious Studies is well-known for its long-standing tradition and academic competitiveness. It is among the very few institutes that offer an undergraduate major in religious studies in Greater China. Famous professors teach in the department; among them more than 20 regularly hold lectures in English. Their research areas cover Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, popular religions, and new religious movements. The department is undisputedly one of the best institutes for religious studies in Greater China. Professors from other departments (such as literature, history, historical geography, sociology and international relations) of Fudan University, from other institutes in Shanghai, as well as from all over China, will be part of this program, too, in order to build a cross-disciplinary teaching team. Faculty members and their research fields (incomplete, for reference only): Prof. ZHANG Qingxiong (Ph.D. Fribourg University, Switzerland): Philosophy of Vijnanavada, Phenomenology, Christian theology; Prof. XU Yihua (Ph.D. Princeton University, USA): Religion and international politics, religious policy; 2 / 7

3 - Prof. LI Tiangang (Ph.D.Fudan University, Director of department for religious studies): church history, popular religions, study of Confucian classics and Confucianism; - Prof. WANG Xinsheng (Ph.D. Fudan University): Catholic theology, Islam; - Prof. Benoit Vermander (Ph.D. Sciences Politique de Paris, France): Anthropology of religion, spirituality; - Prof. WANG Gang (Ph.D. Chicago University, USA): Taoism, Taoist literature; - Prof. BAI Tongdong (Ph.D. Boston University, USA): Pre-Qin philosophers, political philosophy; - Prof. Jason LAM (Ph.D. Cambridge University, UK): Sino-Christian theology, History of Christian thought; Prof. Milton WAN (D.Phil. Oxford University, UK & Ph.D. of the University of Hong Kong): Culture and Christianity, Philosophy, Spirituality; Prof. LIU Ping (Ph.D. Fudan University): Christianity, biblical studies; - Prof. ZHU Xiaohong (Ph.D. Fudan University): Catholicism, feminist theology; - Prof. Eberhard Guhe (Ph.D. Mainz University, Germany): Buddhist philosophy and logic, Sanskrit; - Prof. Lawrence Y. K. LAU (Ph.D. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology): Buddhist philosophy, relationship of religion and politics, Theravada Buddhism; - Prof. LIU Zhen (Ph.D. Munich University, Germany): Buddhist history, Sanskrit; Prof. ZHANG Shuangli (Ph.D. Fudan University): Western Marxism and religion; Prof. CAI Qinghua (Ph.D. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology): Taoism - Prof. YU Zhejun (Ph.D. Leipzig University, Germany; Program coordinator): Sociology of religion, popular religions. 3 / 7

4 Partner: Institute of Sino-Christian Studies (Hong Kong): established in 1995 the institute aims to promote Christian studies, construct Sino-Christian theology, and enrich culture. 3. Credit system: The normative period of the program is two years. The program runs with a flexible credit system, which balances compulsory and elective courses. Total required credits: 30. All courses are delivered in English. In addition, this program provides courses on language to improve the language skill of students in listening, reading and writing. Modules of the Program: Courses of language: 6 credits (2 X 3 credits courses, compulsory); Field research and visit: 4 credits (2 X 2 credits courses, compulsory); Major courses: 20 credits (6-7 courses, elective). Requirements for degree conferral: Complete the above described modules (normally within two years); Write an academic thesis, under the supervision of a mentor, and pass the defense. All graduates will be conferred with a master-diploma and graduation certificate by Fudan University. 4. Courses The courses of this program cover a wide range of almost all religious traditions in China, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity and popular religions. They also aim to provide interdisciplinary understanding of 4 / 7

5 religions from multiple approaches, such as history, classical studies, philosophy, theology, ritual, psychology, anthropology and sociology etc. Some subjects are listed as below (incomplete, for reference only): l History of Buddhism and Sutra-reading; l Study of Confucian Classics and rites l Muslim ethnic groups in China, Islamic-Confucian dialogue, Menhuan system; l Contemporary urban religions and field research; l Festivals and rituals of popular religions; l The history and future of Sino-Christian theology; l translation of the Bible, the indigenization of Christian theology in China; l Christianity and Judaism in context; l Relationship between religion and politics, religious policy in China; l Faith and ritual of ethnic groups in south-western China; l Sociological study of religions; l Hermeneutics of the classical text of religions The courses are divided into three levels, namely: basic, intermediate and advanced, so that students can choose different ones according to their own pre-knowledge in the areas (see the diagram below, incomplete, for reference only). Confucianis Buddhism Christianity m, Taoism and popular Islam Methodolog y religions Basic Introductio n of Buddhism of Christianity of traditional religions Introductio n of Islam Intermedia te Selected readings of Buddhist Christianity Selected reading of Taoist and Islam (I) of sociology of religion; 5 / 7

6 Sutras popular religious of texts anthropolog y of religion; Text-criticis m and hermeneutic s Sino-Christi Intensive Advanced Buddhism an theology; translation of the Bible reading of traditional religious Islam (II) sociology of religion; anthropolog texts y of religion 5. Application and Admission Maximum number of global enrollment (fall semester, 2015): 50 students. Basic requirement: applicant must have a recognized bachelor degree. Application documents required: Copy of passport CV Document of diploma Notarized copy of academic records Two letters of recommendation Personal statement Research topic Non-native speakers of English must provide an English level certificate (TOEFL, GRE, IELTS); Application fee: 500 RMB (non-refundable). Deadline: Application documents for the fall semester 2015 must be sent to the 6 / 7

7 following address before March 15 th, 2015: Master Program for Religious Studies Guanghua Tower (west) 23 rd Floor School of Philosophy, Fudan University Shanghai, China Zip: The admission list will be announced on the website (under construction, notification to follow) of the program before June 15 th, The official (printed) admission notification will be sent by post afterwards. 6. Tuition and Scholarship The tuition fee is 50,000 RMB/year. If the student is not able to obtain the credits or pass the thesis defense within two years, he/she CAN postpone graduation but must pay a 25,000 RMB extension fee for every additional term. The University recognizes that studying overseas is a major undertaking, both personally and financially, and aims to assist international students who require financial assistance with scholarships and awards specifically for international students. Scholarship will be possible but limited if the applicant s university belong to the cooperative partner with China Scholarship Council. 7. Accommodation Students can apply for accommodation at the dormitory for international students of Fudan University (Handan Rd. campus), which costs RMB/day. It is also easy to find private apartments for students near the campus. 8. For preliminary inquired: Prof. YU zhejun from Fudan University yuzhejun@fudan.edu.cn 7 / 7