Location:

Boulder, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Religious Studies

Program Overview

Program Description:

This MA degree includes all the course work of the MA Religious Studies degree with the Contemplative Religions concentration, and is enriched by training in either Sanskrit or Tibetan through two years
(16 credits) of course work or more. This 61-credit concentration is designed for students who wish to join the academic study of comparative religions with interreligious dialogue, contemplative practice, and personal investigation. Students develop literacy in the living practice traditions of a variety of world religions, with special emphasis on integrating the mystical contemplative dimension with the teachings and other aspects of the traditions, as well as on learning interreligious dialogue skills for communicating across religious differences in an environment of global pluralism. Students work with faculty members who are both academically and spiritually trained in the teachings and practices of their respective traditions.

Sanskrit
As the classical language of South Asia, Sanskrit is the lingua franca of Budhhist and Hindu religious traditions throughout Asia. The Sanskrit language option provides students with a knowledge of Sanskrit grammar and vocabulary, as well as initial reading knowledge, providing access to the world of Buddhist and Hindu texts.

Tibetan
Study of the Tibetan language provides access to the rich and diverse world of Tibetan Buddhist literature, to the oral teachings of contemporary Tibetan masters, and to a great body of Indian texts that survive only in Tibetan translation. The Tibetan language option provides training in both classical Tibetan and the spoken
language. Study of classic Tibetan involves learning grammar and vocabulary of the classical language and the reading of texts. Modern Tibetan is learned through the study of the contemporary idiom with practice in hearing and speaking Tibetan.

Culminating Requirements
The degree program concludes with an oral comprehensive exam as well as a master’s paper or project, which can include a translation of Sanskrit or Tibetan.

Degree Requirements
MA in Religious Studies with Language:
Contemplative Religions
First year, fall
• REL503 Tibetan I (4) or
• REL507 Sanskrit I (4)
• REL645 Methods and Issues in the Study of Religion (3)
• REL779 Interreligious Dialogue: Theory and Practice (3)

Religious Studies elective (3)

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Financial Aid:

No