WHY STUDY RELIGIOUS STUDIES?

Religion is the quest for "ultimate" reality, the highest "good". It is a centre of integration, binding people together into a lively community. Religion drives human being to transcend themselves and to reach for the best and highest. There is in the great religious traditions vast spiritual resources for young people to learn so as to face the problems in life and to respond to the rapid changes that Hong Kong has been experiencing in these few decades. The study of religion with the emphasis on the descriptive, critical and philosophical approaches not only provides students a substantial understanding of different religious faiths and practices, but also the ability to engage in academic research and the skills to meet the challenges ahead in their lives.

MAJOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the Religious Studies Major are as follows: to equip students with critical, analytical and interpretative skills with which they may understand diverse religious traditions in the 21st century; to provide students with substantial information on ideas and practices of major religious traditions, thus building a solid foundation for their understanding and interpretation; to help students develop capability in correlating religious ideas and values to socio-cultural problems; to widen students' perspective in the understanding of both the human person and human culture through comparative study of different religious traditions, showing the range of human responses to life problems; to prepare students for postgraduate studies; and to assist students in preparing for careers in education, cultural affairs and related fields.

B.A. (HONS.) IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

This programme provides an opportunity to study diverse religious traditions of the world, especially the monotheistic faiths of Christianity and Islam, and the Chinese religious traditions of Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. Students will be engaged in the descriptive, philosophical and critical studies of religion. Students are also required to choose one of two Concentrations: (i) Christian Studies with emphasis on the study of Christian faith, especially its theological, ethical and socio-cultural dimensions and (ii) Philosophical Studies dealing with philosophical issues, problems or ideas that are highly relevant or closely related to understanding various religions or religious traditions.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND YOUR CAREER

This programme provides training which enables students to engage in independent academic research. Graduates in Religious Studies will be well-equipped for postgraduate studies. Graduates can also expect to find career development not only in teaching (Ethics and Religious Studies and Liberal Studies are now introduced as AS subjects, and hence many schools will need teachers for that), but also in cultural affairs, in publication business, and in church-related social service agencies. Furthermore, graduates may consider going into administration in the civil services as well as in the business sector. It has been generally assumed that Religious Studies, like many other Arts majors or Pure Science majors, may not have direct or necessary link to jobs, except in teaching. But recently the whole concept of the function of higher education has changed. The significant role of higher education is the training of analytical and critical thinking, development of conceptual tools, creativity and flexibility, and a broad base of knowledge. Employers in Hong Kong are looking for these qualities rather than skills in a very narrow scope which may become obsolete in five years. Nowadays, with our society being more open and flexible, a graduate with a good Honours Degree from any major discipline can go into a wide variety of fields for career developments.