Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course builds on existing academic strengths at Monash University by bringing together scholars working in the fields of Judaic, Christian and Islamic scholarship. The course will coordinate existing research interests of three centres: the Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation, the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology and the Centre for Islam and the Modern World, in order to position Monash Arts Faculty as a leading institute in collaborative approaches to interreligious studies.

Students successfully completing this course will be expected to demonstrate:

• a comprehensive and critical understanding of the key institutions, beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
• familiarity with the major texts and the interpretative methods used to promote, preserve and determine their meaning
• sound knowledge of the historical contexts in which these traditions evolved
• awareness of the commonalities of the respective traditions
• skills which explain historical and contemporary reasons for conflict between the traditions
• an appreciation of the varieties of religious discourse, such as mystical testimonies, political theology, hermeneutical practices and philosophies of law
• familiarity with challenges brought about by the encounter between tradition and modernity and an appreciation of the internal resources available to address such challenges
• a capacity to contribute to informed analyses in the public sphere
• strong skills in research and writing.

This course consists of two level-four core units (24 points), 24 points of electives and a research project (24 points). Students must complete a maximum of 48 points of level four coursework units and at least 24 points of level five units.

Core units

• HYM4175 Interpreting the Bible: Jewish and Christian perspectives
• HYM4260 Medieval dialogues: Reason, mysticism, society

Electives

Select 24 points of electives from the following:

• HYM4840 Text and community in Renaissance Italy
• JWM4020 Zionism:The argument
• JWM4030 Jewish history, Jewish memory
• RLM4040 Islamic thought in the modern world
• RLM4060 Medieval women and their world: Constructing identities 1100-1450
• RLM4100 Religion in Australian society
• RLM4110 Sustainability and the sacred
• RLM4145 Interpreting the sources of Islam: The Qur'an and hadith
• RLM4160 Sexuality and religion: Monotheist traditions

Research project

• SHM5000(A) Research project part 1 and SHM5000(B) Research project part 2

Students who undertake the 24 point research project option and achieve at least a distinction are eligible to apply for a higher degree by research.

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with course 4021 Graduate Certificate in Interreligious Studies.
• 48 points with course 4022 Graduate Diploma in Interreligious Studies.

Master of Interreligious Studies