VEREAD project - Methodology of Research in Religious Studies

A new virtual methodological seminar for an interdisciplinary approach

The VEREAD (Virtual Exchange for Religious Education and Dialogue) project is inviting scholars and students to participate in the upcoming seminar: Methodology of Research in Religious Studies for an Interdisciplinary Approach, which will be held between March and June.

Organized by the Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose (FSCIRE) in collaboration with the Theologische Universiteit Appeldoorn (TUA) in Netherlands, the Kenyatta University (KU) in Kenya, and the Makerere University (MAK) in Uganda, this seminar aims to equip the students with a strong methodological foundation in the critical-historical study of religion, emphasizing the analysis and contextualization of sources.

The deadline for registration, which is charge-free, is April 4^{^th}, 2025.

Please contact Francesco Cargnelutti at cargnelutti@fscire.it for registration, taking care to mention your first name, last name, and academic background if you are a student.

Seminar schedule

March 27^{^th}: Introduction – Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner, Dr. Francesco Cargnelutti (FSCIRE), prof. Bram de Muynck (TUA)
April 10^th : The “Historian’s Craft” and its Critical Thinking Skills as Tools for Citizenship: Contextualising, Analysing, and Interpreting Primary and Secondary Sources – Prof. Silvia Cristofori (FSCIRE, UNILINK).
April 30^th: Alternative sources for the Study of Religion: Oral History and Narrative Interviews – Dr. Ilaria Macconi Heckner (FSCIRE)
May 15^th: Theological Action Research: method and background of the ‘four voices approach’ – Prof. Bram de Muynck (TUA)
May 29^th: The character of theological reflection and its ‘problem solving potential’ – Prof. Bram de Muynck (TUA)
June 12^th: Post-colonial African Theology and its contribution to the theological reflection and to the historical research framework – Dr. John Bosco Kamoga (MAK)
June 26^th: Feminist approach to the study of religion and to theology: The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians – Prof. Philomena Njeri Mwaura (KU)

Course overview

This seminar offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of religion, integrating critical-historical and theological methodologies; it emphasizes the interpretation of sources and trains students to become systematic interpreters while exploring how historical and theological knowledge is applied in practice.
A key component of the course is Theological Action Research, an empirical method that engages with real-world issues such as power dynamics, post-colonial challenges, and leadership in religious contexts. Additionally, students will examine the contributions of post-colonial African theology and African feminist perspectives to religious studies.
Through interactive activities, including Virtual Exchanges, participants will enhance their critical thinking, intercultural communication, and self-confidence in engaging with complex religious discussions.

Key features

Format: The course will be conducted online via Zoom complemented by virtual group activities to enhance interactive learning.

Modules: Each module consists of an introductory lecture and an interactive activity. Students will work in small international groups, guided by trained facilitators, to engage in activities such as source analysis, text discussions, and fieldwork projects. Using the Virtual Exchange Model, these student-centered activities foster intercultural and transnational dialogue, making them an essential part of the learning experience.

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More details about the seminar see the Download section.