Intensive Summer Program on World Religions

2010: Globalizing Religions: Conflict or Conflict Resolution?

The Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) at Boston University conducts an annual summer seminar. It is organized by the well-known sociologist of religion Peter L. Berger, co-sponsored with the School of Theology of Boston University, under the guidance of Dean John Berthrong.  The seminar is generously funded by the Henry Luce Foundation’s Henry R. Initiative on Religion and International Affairs.

The program is an intensive two-week seminar on special topics in religion and world affairs.  The 2010 program will run June 13-25.  It will examine the world’s major religious traditions, in each case asking the following questions: How has each tradition globalized?  Has it contributed to conflict or conflict resolution? The seminar is designed for professional residents of the United States, with some coming from abroad, who are concerned with the international role of religion in politics, economics and social change.  Those particularly encouraged to apply are journalists, policy analysts (in or out of government), and educators.

The program is taught by a combination of faculty from Boston University and other universities, as well as by active or former members of the foreign policy community.  Details of the 2010 summer seminar will be posted here once the program is finalized.

CURA will provide housing and meals for all participants.  Travel fellowships will be available on a competitive basis.

To apply, send a one-page letter of interest, along with a brief CV, and an indication whether assistance with travel is required, to:

Ms. Laurel Whalen, Administrator
Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs
10 Lenox Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Email: cura@bu.edu Fax: (617)-353-6408

Application Deadline: March 31, 2010

Past seminars’ schedules: