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. Political and Normative (Dis)order option
     This option is largely inspired by social anthropology. Students consider a wide range of contemporary issues dealing with politics, norms and law. The interlinking of these different dimensions in the production of social order and disorder is examined comparatively and critically in colonial and postcolonial contexts. The political economy of space, access to the types of resources (economic, cultural, symbolic, etc.) and various regimes throughout the world are studied, along with protests, public policy and institutional and non-institutional frameworks. The sessions identify the multiplicity of power dynamics at work, which have repercussions for individuals and collective entities alike. Drawing from different case studies, the analyses take into account different types of issues (political, economic, social, etc.) to which conflicts and negotiations refer.
     Combining empirical studies and theoretical reflections, and favouring ethnographic methods, this option also tackles a critical analysis of anthropological knowledge and the anthropologist's position in the processes of observation and analysis.
  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:

  • Non-governmental organisations and charities;
  • Social and cultural institutions (prevention, project management, promotion, museums);
  • Associations, interest groups, political parties;
  • Private companies (human resources, communication, training);
  • Public, cantonal and federal administrations (scientific collaborations, evaluation);
  • Journalism and the media;
  • Public relations, diplomatic services;
  • Training;
  • Research and scientific expertise, academic careers.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen