"learning community" offers Understanding of Different Religions and Cultures

Two years ago, Celia Chazelle, professor of history, began to notice something. Her students were beginning to realize “how powerful a force religion is.” Events such as 9/11 and the invasion and ongoing war in Iraq had TCNJ students wanting to better understand different religions and cultures, she said.

As a result, the College’s Religion Studies Committee formed the Religion, Culture, and Identity (RCI) Learning Community. Since fall 2006, a select group of undergraduates have participated in this program, investigating together the the beliefs and institutions of major religions and their profound impact on human culture and individual identity. Program participants must take two religious studies courses, participate in extracurricular activities, and complete a team-taught seminar course that specifically designed on the topic of religion, culture, and identity.

The main focus of the program, explained Chazelle, is to “enrich understanding of the multiplicity...of the cultural spectrum...past and present.” The academic program and accompanying community events are planned to help “promote religious tolerance” and “appreciation for achievements” of different cultures through “an academic lens.”

Chazelle, who is the RCI learning community coordinator, noted that academic study of religion is quite different from experiencing a religious service or ritual. TCNJ’s academic program will help students “explore religion in a neutral setting” so bias will be eliminated. Without bias, students will be able to have an enhanced understanding of the cultural differences in the world.

The program’s long-term goal, along with increased tolerance and understanding of religion and culture, is to be a “springboard” for a comprehensive religious studies program at TCNJ, and, hopefully, a major in religion. There may not be an exclusive religion major, but there are many courses about religion in various departments at TCNJ. However, there is little coordination between them. The RCI program will integrate those classes to create a full learning experience for religion.

This program is not the first of its kind, but the enthusiasm and motivation from the coordinators of the program will help the College community become even more tolerant, educated, and understanding. Students will be able to form their own opinions about right and wrong, and learn how worldviews need to change to accommodate different beliefs and traditions. They will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program

Separate from the actual program of classes, but nonetheless related in theme, the Committee for Cultural and Intellectual Community; the School of Art, Media, and Music; and the School of Culture and Society have joined the RCI program in sponsoring events related to the topic of religion, culture, and identity throughout the coming academic year. Lectures, symposia, films, art exhibitions and other events will be offered to the campus community and the general public.