Master of Arts Program in Religious Studies
(International Program)
Programme
Programme Title |
: |
Master of Arts Program in Religious Studies |
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(International Program) |
Name of the Degree |
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Full Name |
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Master of Arts (Religious Studies) |
Abbreviation |
: |
M.A. (Religious Studies) |
Responsible Units |
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1. College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University.
2. Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University. |
Program Starts |
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Semester 2, Academic Year 2008 |
Philosophy & Objectives
1. Philosophy of the Program
Religious Studies at the College of Religious Studies focuses on the practical application of religious belief and practice in contemporary society, as well as moral issues, which people are currently confronting. The program is designed to promote an academic approach to religion in a multi-cultural setting, both in the nation and the world at large.
2. Objectives of the Program
2.1 To give students adequate background of science and the world’s major religions;
2.2 To provide students with believer-oriented models of practice together with the more objective “scientific” models;
2.3 To train and equip students for service with integrity in different fields of work and for the benefit of society at large.
2.4 To give students variety of concentrations: (1) Buddhist Studies, (2) Interreligious Dialogue, (3) Religion and Science, (4) Teaching Religion in Schools, and (5) Counseling and Chaplaincy.
2.5 To produce graduates of moral integrity and appropriate professional ethics.
Admission Requirement
1. Students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field at an accredited four-year undergraduate college/university or its equivalent;
2. Receive a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (or a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 with minimum working experience of 2 years); and
3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 550 or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) of at least 6.0, is required for applicants who attended a non-English-speaking undergraduate university or have passed the English examination conducted by Mahidol University International College
Selection Method
The criteria in selecting students would be through considering candidates’ profiles and through interviews. Final judgment will be under the consideration of the Administrative Program Committee and the Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University.
Academic System
1. Semester system
2. Credits
The number of credits assigned to each subject is determined as follows:
2.1 Lecture or discussion: A course with at least 15 hours of lectures or discussions/ seminars per semester is assigned 1 credit-hour.
2.2 Practicum: A course with at least 30 hours of work per semester is assigned 1 credit-hour.
2.3 Thesis: A thesis with at least 45 hours of work per semester is assigned 1 credit-hour.
Language
English will be the medium of instruction and thesis writing.
Duration of Study
The duration of study must not exceed 5 academic years.
Registration & Credit Transfer
1. Students must register as full-time students.
2. Full-time Students must register for not less than 9 credits but not more than 15 credits per regular semester. Exception to this requirement may be possible with recommendation of the students’ academic advisors.
Evaluation & Graduation Requirements
1. Evaluation
Evaluation of student’s performance follows the rules and regulations of Mahidol University.
2. Graduation Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements:
2.1 Complete 27 credits for course work and 12 credits of thesis, total credit for the program not less than 39 credits, with GPA not less than 3.00.
2.2 Pass English Proficiency Examination with a TOEFL score of not less than 550 or IELTS with a score of 6.0 or more
2.3 Complete the thesis research and pass oral thesis examination required for graduation according to regulations of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University.
2.4 Have at least one publication or a manuscript accepted for publication in standard journal or a conference’s proceedings according to regulations of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University.
Faculty
Office : College of Religious
No.
|
Name-Surname |
Degree (Field of Study) |
*1 |
Prof. Suriya Ratanakul |
B.A. (French language and literature)1st-Class Honours,
Doctorat (Linguistics and South-East Asian Studies) |
*2 |
Assoc. Prof. Pinit Ratanakul |
B.A. (English) Honours, Ph.D. (Philosophy) |
*3 |
Lect.Dr. Kyaw Than |
B.A. (History),
Ph.D. (Divinity/Religion) |
*4 |
Lect.Dr. Matthew Kosuta |
B.A. (Honours),
M.A. (Religious Studies),
Ph.D. (Religious Studies) |
*5 |
Lect.Dr. Lynken Ghose |
B.A. (Asian Studies),
M.A. (Asian Studies),
Ph.D. (Religious Studies) |
*Responsible Faculty of the Program
Guest Faculty
No. |
Name-Surname |
Degree |
Affiliation |
1. |
Prof. Dr. Jirachoke Virasai |
Ph.D. (Sociology) |
Ramkamhaeng University |
2. |
Prof. Dr. Chamlong |
M.D. (Psychiatry) |
Department of Psychiatry
Disayavanish Chiangmai University |
3. |
Prof. Dr. Nils Holm |
Ph.D. (Comparative Religion) |
Abo University
Akademi Finland |
4. |
Prof. Dr. Ronald Y. Nakasone |
Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) |
Graduate Theological Union
USA |
5. |
Assist. Prof. Dr. Prapod |
Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) |
Chulalongkorn University
Assavavirulhakarn |
6. |
Dr. Shauna Shapiro |
Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) |
Santa Clara University USA |
7. |
Dr. David Presti |
Ph.D. (Neurobiology) |
University of California
at Berkeley USA |
8. |
Dr. Daniel Siegel |
Ph.D. (Medical Education and Psychiatry) |
University of California at Los Angeles USA |
9. |
Dr. Paul Fulton
|
Ph.D. (Medical Education and Psychology) |
The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy USA |
10. |
Dr. Suwin Ruksatya |
Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) |
Mahamakut Buddhist
University |
11. |
Phra Dr. Anil Dhammasakiya |
Ph.D. (Social Anthropology) |
Mahamakut Buddhist
University |
12. |
Dr. Alan Wallace |
Ph.D. (Tibetan Buddhism) |
The Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies
USA |
Number of Students Enrolled
| Academic Year |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
The number of students enrolled |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Cumulative number |
- |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
The number of graduated students |
- |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
Venue of Study
The College of Religious Studies has up-to-date audio-visual equipment and other teaching and research facilities such as projectors and computers to support learning and teaching activities. The College has 4 class rooms and a computer lab with more than 20 computers for students to use in their studies and research. These equipments are periodically updated and replaced.
Library
The College’s Library houses more than 12,000 titles of books, journals and academic materials on religions, philosophy and related subjects. The library staff provides training in the use of the Internet to access libraries and organizations with population materials and data throughout the country and abroad. In addition, students can obtain a full range of library services from the Central Library of Mahidol University, and from libraries of other faculties located on other campuses. Mahidol University Library is linked to the inter-library loan system. Students can also conveniently access electronic libraries through the University’s Internet system.
Tuition Fee
The total cost per student for the entire program is approximately 300,000 baht.
Note: The cost is calculated on a two-year basis and covers only tuition and fees, not personal expenses. The cost is subject to change.
Programme Curriculum
Programme Structure
1.Program Curriculum
The number of credits required for the program No less than ๓๙ credits.
2. Curriculum Structure
The program is set according to the Ministry of Education Announcement titled “Standard Criteria for Graduate studies 2005”, with specified plan A(2) curriculum
(1) Core Courses 12 credits
(2) Required Courses [Majors] 9 credits
(3) Elective Courses no less than 6 credits
(4) Thesis 12 credits
Total 39 credits
3. Course Requirements
3.1 Core Courses (12 credits)
Credits (Lecture-Lab-Self-study)
CRRS |
500 |
Research Methods in Social Sciences |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
501 |
Eastern Religions |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
502 |
Western Religions |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
503 |
Native Religious Traditions |
3(3-0-6) |
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3.2 Required Courses (9 credits) |
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Required Courses are divided into 5 majors including |
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(1) Buddhist Studies |
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(2) Interreligious Dialogue |
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(3) Religion and Science |
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(4) Teaching Religion in Schools |
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(5) Counseling and Chaplaincy |
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Students who do not have adequate knowledge in the chosen major are required |
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to take some courses in the college’s undergraduate curriculum as recommended by |
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their advisor. Students must take three courses from the list in their chosen track for |
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no less than 9 credits. |
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Track 1: Buddhist Studies |
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All students in Track 1 are required to complete 3 required courses (9 credits): |
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CRRS504, 505, and a canonical language course at the intermediate level (506 or 507). |
CRRS |
504 |
History and Practices of Thai Buddhism |
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CRRS |
505 |
Issues in Contemporary Buddhist Society |
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CRRS |
506 |
Intermediate Readings in Canonical Texts in Pali |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
507 |
Intermediate Readings in Canonical Texts in Sanskrit |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 2: Interreligious Dialogue |
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CRRS |
513 |
Principles and History of Interreligious Dialogue |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
514 |
Culture and Religion |
3 (3-0-6) |
CRRS |
515 |
Ethical Issues in Interreligious Dialogue |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 3: Religion and Science |
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CRRS |
522 |
Religion and Science |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
523 |
Health, Healing and Religion |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
524 |
Mind, Body and Spirit: Scientific, Philosophical and
Religious Perspectives |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 4: Teaching Religion in Schools |
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CRRS |
532 |
Moral Development and Education |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
533 |
Theories and Methods of Teaching |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
534 |
Teaching Practicum |
3(0-9-0) |
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Track 5: Counseling and Chaplaincy |
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All students in Track 5 are required to complete 3 required courses from the list below
(CRRS 539, 540, 541, and 542 as compulsory). |
|
CRRS |
539 |
Fundamentals of Counseling Methods |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
540 |
Issues in Chaplaincy |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
541 |
Religious Components of Chaplaincy |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
542 |
Counseling Practicum |
3(1-6-4) |
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3.3 Elective Courses (6 credits) |
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Students may choose two courses from the listing in their chosen track for no
less than 6 credits. |
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Track 1: Buddhist Studies |
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CRRS |
508 |
History and Philosophical Development of Western Buddhism |
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CRRS |
509 |
Buddhism in South Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
510 |
Buddhism in East Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
511 |
Buddhism in Tibet |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
512 |
Buddhism in Southeast Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 2: Interreligious Dialogue |
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Students must choose 2 courses (6 credits) from the following courses
(CRRS 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521) |
CRRS |
516 |
Cultures of Southeast Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
517 |
Religion and Non-Profit Organization Management |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS
|
518
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Indian and Chinese Cultural Influences and Immigrant Communities in
Southeast Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
519 |
Globalization and Religion |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
520 |
Economics and Religion |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
521 |
Politics and Religion |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 3: Religion and Science |
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CRRS |
525 |
Comparative Medicine: Acupuncture, Hindu Yoga,and Internal Medicine |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS
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526
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Interaction of Folk Medicine, Traditional Medicine and
Chinese Medicine within Southeast Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
527 |
Philosophy, Religion and Darwinism |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
528 |
Great Thinkers in Religion and Science |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
529 |
Religion and Science in Southeast Asia |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS
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530
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Celibacy’s Effect on Mental and Physical Health:Religious and
Scientific Perspectives |
|
CRRS |
531 |
Psychotherapy and Meditation |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 4: Teaching Religion in Schools |
|
CRRS |
535 |
Early Childhood Psychology |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
536 |
Adolescent Psychology |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
537 |
Abnormal Psychology |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
538 |
Cultures of Different Regions in Thailand |
3(3-0-6) |
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Track 5: Counseling and Chaplaincy |
|
CRRS |
543 |
Hospital Chaplaincy and Counseling |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
544 |
Military Chaplaincy |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
545 |
Empathy Training |
3(1-4-2) |
CRRS |
546 |
Marital and Family Unit Counseling |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
547 |
Addictions Counseling |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
548 |
Crisis, Grief and Loss Counseling |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
549 |
Management Skills |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
550 |
Thai Religious Culture |
3(3-0-6) |
CRRS |
551 |
Integration of Counseling and Religious Belief and Practice |
3(3-0-6) |
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3.4 Thesis |
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CRRS |
698 |
Thesis |
12 (0-36-0) |
3.5 Research Projects of the Program
In this program, research projects focus on the original and novel findings of topics related to religious studies. Many of the research projects involve fieldwork. Several research projects, upon students’ interests, may lead to become their thesis topics. The research projects provide students the opportunities to study and understand the contents and details of the particular topic profoundly, and furthermore, to adapt the results that they gain from the research to their future career.
4. Cource Code Explanation
Two first letters represent the abbreviated name of College.
CR = College of Religious Studies
The third and fourth letters represent the abbreviated name of responsible units.
RS = College of Religious Studies
The first numbers (5XX and 6XX) represent postgraduate program level.
Plan of Study
Study Plan
Year |
Semester I |
Semester II |
1 |
CRRS 500
|
Research Methods in
Social Sciences |
3 (3-0-6) |
CRRS 502
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Western Religions
|
3 (3-0-6)
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CRRS 501 |
Eastern Religions |
3 (3-0-6) |
CRRS 503
|
Native Religious
Traditions
|
3 (3-0-6)
|
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Choose one a required course |
3 (3-0-6) |
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Choose one
a required course |
3 (3-0-6)
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elective course
|
3 (3-0-6) |
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Total 12 Credits |
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Total 9 Credits |
2 |
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Choose one
a required course |
3 (3-0-6) |
CRRS 698 |
Thesis |
9 (0-27-0) |
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elective course |
3 (3-0-6) |
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CRRS 698 |
Thesis |
3 (0-9-0) |
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Total 9 Credits |
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Total 9 Credits |
Quality Assurance of the Curriculum
1. Quality Assurance of the Program
1.1 Program Management
1.1.1 The instructor will prepare a syllabus that outlines the objectives and scope of the course.
1.1.2 Instructors will be evaluated by the “The Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) quality assurance system” twice a year, covering the period of January-June and July-December.
1.1.3 Annual seminar among faculty members and students to discuss and improve program curriculum, teaching evaluation techniques, and study environment.
1.1.4 Courses and instructors are routinely evaluated by students in each semester. Evaluation focuses on usefulness and importance of each course, its contents, qualifications of instructor(s) and methods of teaching. Results of evaluation are made available to the program committee and to responsible instructors for future improvement.
1.1.5 Development of teaching skills and knowledge through “ONESQA staff development program” which provides short-term and long-term training, research and teaching materials, and textbook/article production as well as participation in scientific conferences/seminars.
1.2 Research and Teaching Resources
1.2.1 The implementing College has an up-to-date religious and philosophy library, which houses more than 12,000 titles of books and journals.
1.2.2 The Program provides computer facilities for students. The ratio of computer to student is 1: 2.
1.3 Student Supports and Mentoring Services
1.3.1 Encouraging self-study among students through various means including the use of internet for learning. Where possible, students are provided teaching or research assistantship as a means to develop teaching and research skills for their future career.
1.3.2 Encouraging and supporting students to present research papers in academic conferences/seminars.
1.3.3 Arranging a weekly seminar which provides an opportunity for students to present their work to the public.
1.4 Market Demand and/or Employer’s Satisfaction
1.4.1 Conduct a survey of employment among graduates from the program every year.
1.4.2 Conduct a survey of employer’s satisfaction every year. |
