Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Ecumenical Studies
Meant for students having completed a Bachelor’s degree certificate in Christian theology, or in a closely related discipline or demonstrating a suitable level of theological literacy. Suitable for academics, professionals and practitioners in the church related context, and beyond, who are interested in how the ecumenical movement relates to sensitive and cutting-edge issues in contemporary society.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Ecumenical Studies/le Certificat de formation continue en d'études œcuméniques is accredited by the University of Geneva under the Swiss Higher Education Programme for Continuing Education in accordance with the requirements of the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities (CRUS) with 25 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits to be achieved during one-semester (mid-September – end of January) according to the study modules described below.
Obligatory modules:
- Core Course on the History of the Ecumenical Movement (6 ECTS credits)
The core course offers an overview of the genesis, development and institutionalisation of modern ecumenism, as well as an introduction to selected contemporary themes and challenges in relation to a globalised world and a changed ecclesial and religious landscape. The core course is conducted in form of plenary lectures and requires regular participation and a successful final oral exam.
- Workshop on Intercultural Biblical Studies (3 ECTS credits)
The workshop gives an opportunity to deepen exegetical competencies, an introduction to the plurality of Biblical contextual interpretation paradigms and an evaluation of their ecumenical relevance. The workshop requires regular participation and fulfilment of possible task assignments.
- Workshop on Practical Ecumenical Theology (3 ECTS credits)
The workshop provides a reflected experience on the historical-cultural modes of theological transmission, and more specifically on their (liturgical) communication and consideration of the ecumenical dimensions of translating theology practically. The workshop requires regular participation and fulfilment of possible task assignments.
- Ecumenical Study Visits (2 ECTS credits)
During the ecumenical study visit students will have an opportunity to gain a reflected practical insights and overviews on the way of practice, organization and spiritual life of the work of different ecumenical actors, particularly those of different Christian confessional traditions. The following visits are usually planned: the Orthodox Centre of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chambésy, Switzerland, the Vatican and Rome, Italy ; the Taizé Community, France ; and local parishes of the Reformed Protestant Church in Switzerland. The study visits require full participation and the submission of reports.
- Intensive Thematic Seminar (3 ECTS credits)
The intensive thematic seminar offers space for critical analysis and in-depth study of a question of contemporary ecumenical relevance determined and designed specifically for each academic year. The seminar requires regular participation and fulfilment of possible task assignments.
Optional modules (one):
- Ecumenical Biblical Hermeneutics (8 ECTS credits)
The module offers an intensive introduction and study of exegetical methods in relation to the biblical literature, as well as an initiation to biblical research with regard to the vision of reconciliation and human unity in general and of the Christian churches in particular.
- Ecumenical Missiology (8 ECTS credits)
The module provides an intensive introduction and study of areas common to missiology (theology of mission), ecumenical theology or theology of religions.
- Ecumenical Social Ethics (8 ECTS credits)
The module offers an intensive introduction and study of areas common to ecumenical theology, systematic theology and social science of religions, which pertain to the challenges arising from the complexity and plurality of globalised societies, as well as the exploration of ecumenical ethical responses.
- Ecumenical Theology (8 ECTS credits)
The module provides an intensive introduction and study of areas of ecumenical theological research on the search for ecclesial communion as the focal point of ecumenism.
Each module of choice requires regular participation and fulfillment of all task assignments. Evaluation includes an oral exam and the writing of a research paper.
Applicants to this study programme may also apply to the course English as a Tool for Ecumenical Formation: Intensive English Summer Course
Please, find application guidelines and form, ECTS study plan summary and costs as well as frequently asked questions here.