Faculty oF humanities and social sciences 2013 - Victoria University ...

Religious Studies
Literature, law, music, philosophy, politics and culture are all
informed by religion. We can only understand ourselves, our
cultures and those of others if we understand religion. In the
Religious Studies programme we look at the role of religions
in history and culture and we explore beliefs and practices
and the relationship between religion and conflict, religion
and peacemaking, religions and resource inequalities and
development, religion and politics, religion and the meaning of
death, religion and identity, religion, morality and ethics, and
religion and its role in our evolutionary history.
Our 100-level courses introduce students to the major religious
traditions and the role of religion in the contemporary world.
The religious traditions of the West (Judaism, Christianity and
Islam), and of Asia (India, China and Japan) are explored. As
well, a broader course examines the relationships between
politics and law and religion; another, the role of myth and
rituals in social systems; another explores spiritual and
religious experience. These themes are continued in our 200and
300-level courses. In addition Religious Studies has a
strong postgraduate research programme.
Museum and Heritage Studies
The Museum and Heritage Studies programme offers a range
of qualifications balancing taught courses, work placements,
academic research and professional skills. There are courses
on topics such as museum history, theory and practice,
research methods, Māori and museums, art gallery studies,
leisure and heritage conservation. Based in Wellington, New
Zealand’s cultural capital, the programme’s courses are taught
in partnership with key national organisations such as Museum
of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Ministry for Culture and
Heritage and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
18 Victoria University of Wellington
Alan Edwards
BA Melbourne, GDipArts, MA Victoria
“The study of religion as a phenomenon allows
us to encounter humanity at its most fascinating,
perplexing and inspiring.”
After completing his BA at the University of Melbourne, Alan
decided to embark on postgraduate study at Victoria based on
a thorough investigation into the religious studies programmes
in the Australasian region.
Alan found his Master’s thesis, a study in Hinduism during
colonial India, to be a fantastic and rewarding experience. He
affirms that Victoria provided him with excellent resources
and opportunities, including a scholarship that enabled him to
conduct research in India. Alan also presented his research at
an academic conference in Australia, as well as at a seminar at
the University of Queensland.
Alan currently works as a tutor for the Programme and hopes
to receive a PhD scholarship from Victoria so that he may
continue working in an environment abundant with inspiring
scholars and supportive administrators.