Culture, Politics and Religion in Pluralist Societies

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  This master programme is cross-cutting: it combines methods of sociology, social anthropology and religious studies in an innovative way, making it a unique course of study in Switzerland. Composed of interdisciplinary modules and one option (to be selected), it provides the analytical and methodological tools which are key to understanding developments in diverse and globalised societies.

  Fribourg profile
  In addition to the interdisciplinary modules, students follow specialised modules in their selected option.

  1. Social and Cultural Dynamics option
     This option focuses on knowledge and analytical tools, derived mainly from sociology, to study social plurality. It trains students to study the most visible aspects of this diversity: migration phenomena, interethnic relations, cultural standardisation and diversification, social and economic inequality, new forms of citizenship and their effects on individuals. More broadly, this option looks at the lifestyles and values which are emerging in various areas of society: families, social networks, groups of young people, associations, migrant communities, public institutions, professional groups and businesses. It considers new means of «living together» and relationships between individuals and groups, such as interethnic, intergenerational, interprofessional and gender relations. Students acquire the skills to decipher issues in the public arena and in the media, to analyse interactions and communication within political, legal and health institutions, and to evaluate changes in the labor sector.
     Interactive sessions and qualitative empirical research techniques conducted within institutions and with the populations under study train students in the use of individual interviews, focus groups and life stories, institutional document analysis and audio-visual techniques.
  2. Social Anthropology, Politics, Technology option
     This option is anchored in the discipline of social anthropology. Social anthropology deals with contemporary societies in different regions of the world in order to better understand local and global dynamics, and to create necessary knowledge about them. It also analyses the emergence of cultural patterns and categorisations as well as political and social inequalities in order to contribute to a fairer and more open society. The focus of the option is on the contemporary challenges surrounding the relationships between humans, nature and the built and technological environment. These relationships tend to reflect the existing power structures and dominant societal values. The option also focuses on the question of how different actors transform societies through their actions, how social change arises, how technologies influence social life and how new political orders are created.
     The diverse and interactive forms of teaching provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge. An essential component of this study option is the preparation and implementation of a field research.
  3. Religion and Society option
     The objective of this option is to further the study of religion and its related challenges in modern and contemporary societies, particularly in Europe and Switzerland. Using methods and theories from social sciences such as sociology, anthropology and history, the option promotes understanding and analysis of religion at the level of individuals, groups, organisations, institutions as well as societies as a whole. Issues relating to religious diversity, pluralism and social integration are central to this option, with a focus on globalisation-linked trends. It takes an interdisciplinary, cross-cutting approach to examining the intersection of religion and questions involving youth, the media, gender issues, transnationalisation, economics, politics, identity, recognition, health, education and the role of religion in the public sphere, in the West and elsewhere.
     Teaching units address theoretical and empirical approaches, with an emphasis on group discussions and individualised seminar papers.

  Career prospects
  Given its interdisciplinary focus, this master programme provides access to a variety of professional contexts, and the knowledge and skills acquired meet the needs of today's labour market. Graduates have a command of the organisational, relational, cultural, identity and comunication issues that arise within different types of groups and institutions:

  • Public and administrative institutions;
  • Private sector, personnel management (HR);
  • Media and communication;
  • Political associations, trade unions;
  • Humanitarian aid organisations, foundations and non-governmental organisations;
  • Museums and art projects;
  • Migration and intercultural relations;
  • Youth and family work, social work;
  • Cultural and animation sector;
  • Health sector;
  • Social interventions;
  • Academic career, applied research.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen