Tony Blair Faith Foundation

Commencing in October 2010, Durham University is offering a new, exciting MA taught course in Faith and Globalisation, through its School of Government and International Affairs and Department of Theology and Religion, with participation of staff from several other departments, across two Faculties, Social Sciences & Health, and Arts & Humanities. Durham thus joins its expertise on Christian theology and ethics, on the one hand, and on Islamic and international studies, on the other, to form the basis for an interdisciplinary approach to that theme.

The main focus will be the public engagement and the cultural impact of religious actors (groups, movements, and organisations) on a range of issues of global pertinence. Such an approach will explore topics such as identity and culture, politics and governance, economics and finance, science and technology.

The MA in Faith and Globalisation seeks to address these issues from a research-led perspective, offering students a range of learning and teaching methods and a supportive environment for interaction and independent thinking. Its main, substantive aims are:

a) to develop an advanced understanding of the interconnections between faith/religion and globalisation;

b) to develop a critical awareness of the global nature and repercussion of various forms of knowledge production and dissemination, political action, economic practices, and cultural exchanges relating religious and non-religious agents in contemporary societies;

c) to promote an understanding of the normative character of much ethical thought and practice, as well the dialogical possibilities open to both religious and non-religious agents in the context of a democratic and pluralist public discourse.

The new MA is part of the Faith and Globalisation Programme at Durham University, and will offer its stu-dents the unique opportunity to interact within an evolving international network of top universities, in partnership with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. The course will lay roots in the broader context of the Faith and Globalisation Programme, led by research and providing multiple opportunities to exchange ideas through a series of seminars and other events. Activities will regularly engage academics and members of various faith traditions within the lively international atmosphere of Durham University. Students will be able to enjoy the wonderful college structure of the university, which allows for intense intercultural communication and conviviality.

For further information on the MA course please visit www.dur.ac.uk/faithglobalisation, call postgraduate admissions on +44 (0) 191 334 5660, or send an email to faith.globalisation@durham.ac.uk.