VEREAD project - Is Religion a Colonial Construct?

The New Virtual Seminar Series

The VEREAD (Virtual Exchange for Religious Education and Dialogue) project is inviting scholars and students to participate in the upcoming virtual exchange methodological seminar: Is Religion a Colonial Construct? An Introduction to Postcolonial and Decolonial Approaches to the Study of Religion.

Organized by Fondazione per le Scienze Religiose (FSCIRE) in collaboration with University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) – South Africa and University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) – Tanzania, this seminar aims to explore post-colonial and decolonial approaches to religion and their impact on key social issues.

Seminar schedule (awaiting confirmation from UDSM):
February 18 and 25, March 25, April 29, May 27 2025

Lesson timetable:
2-4pm (CET) | 3-5pm (SAST) | 4-6pm (EAT)

Course overview

The purpose of the VEREAD seminar is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of post-colonial and decolonial approaches and theories in the study of religion. It will explore how these perspectives shape religious responses to issues such as gender, sexual orientation, race, class, migration, and climate change. Additionally, the lessons will equip participants with the skills to foster healthy, meaningful dialogue on coloniality, postcoloniality, and decoloniality across diverse cultural and contextual settings.

Key features

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

Modules: The course consists of five workshops, beginning with an introductory session to assess participants' knowledge and expectations. The subsequent four workshops feature plenary lectures on postcolonial and decolonial approaches to the study of religion, as well as the intersectionality of religion with race, class, and gender. Participants will engage in student-centred activities, analyzing readings before each session and discussing them in small international groups, guided by facilitators.

The deadline for registration is February 8, 2025.
Please contact Francesco Cargnelutti at cargnelutti@fscire.it for registration.

More details about the seminar click here or see the Download section.