- an understanding of the nature and role of religion in human societies, both past
and present, both non-Western and Western,
- a grasp of the various methods used by scholars to describe and explain religion,
and the means to assess achievements of these methods as well as develop new methods
for increasing their knowledge of religious thought and practice, and
- an opportunity for raising questions about the present and future significance
of religious thought and practice.
The program offers an undergraduate major/minor and a Master's degree in comparative
religion.
WMU has the oldest comparative religion program in the state of Michigan, and the
only department with a graduate program in comparative religion in Michigan.
"Religion has always been with us. Throughout history, it has expressed the deepest
questions human beings can ask, and it has taken a central place in the lives of virtually
all civilizations and cultures. (Read more at the "Why
Study Religion" web site.)
Announcement of New Position in Comparative Religion
Chinese Religions
Western Michigan University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Chinese Religions beginning August 2008 at the rank of Assistant Professor, pending budgetary approval. Ph.D in comparative religion or related field (or evidence of imminent award thereof) required in the area Chinese Religions with a preference for specialization in Daoism and/or popular religions and a background in other Chinese religious expressions. The successful candidate will have a mastery of the Chinese language, ability to work in original sources, and fieldwork experience. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed WMU among the 76 public institutions in the nation designated as research universities with high research activity. WMU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer consistent with applicable federal and State law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should visit http://www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.htm to apply. Online applications should include a letter of application (including a statement of research plans and teaching philosophy), vita and a writing sample, Transcripts and three letters of recommendation should be sent directly to Dr. Stephen Covell, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Comparative Religion, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. E-Mail: s.covell@wmich.edu. Fax: (269) 387-4914. Tel: 269-387-4365
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