Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Rationale
Christians represent 6.2 percent of the entire population in Myanmar. In reaction to the growing demands of the local churches, the Myanmar Institute of Theology (MIT), founded in 1927, plays a leading role in the promotion of theological education and church leadership in Myanmar and beyond. Moreover, being the academically highest and largest theological Institute in Myanmar, MIT is always committed to initiating study programs, which are relevant to the needs of the community. The liberal arts program is one of the great achievements in this endeavor.
A founding member of ATESEA, MIT serves as an ecumenical Institute for scholars, students, pas-tors, and researchers at national and international levels. MIT offered various degree pro-grams from BA/BSc to Ph.D. degree programs. In addition, MIT promotes student-exchange and faculty-exchange programs in partnership with various overseas theological institutions. In response to the interests of international students and scholars, MIT has determined to launch a new international study program called the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program.

Goal

To promote an interdisciplinary approach to the study of local churches, history, religion & culture and current issues in Myanmar.

Objective

To provide students with the knowledge of contextualization, missiology, religious studies, and biblical hermeneutics in Myanmar context.
To teach students about social issues, gender studies, peacebuilding in Myanmar.
To help students understand the roles of religions, ethnicity and nationalism in contemporary Myanmar.

Nature of the Program

This program will be conducted online due to the impact of current pandemic and political crisis in Myanmar. However, the program is subject to change to in-person learning when the situation becomes normal. One-month field study in Myan-mar will also be part of the program. The pro-gram is designed as a two-year study program which will include two-modules in the first year, and one module with thesis writing in the second year.

Tentative Time Table
Module One: – July-August
Module Two: – January-February
Module Three: – July-August
Thesis Writing – September-February (Second Year)

Courses
There are three concentration areas as follows: (1) Religious Studies, (2) Social Studies, and (3) Religion and Society. Each student is required to complete 36 credits (12 courses) and thesis writing (6 credits).

Religious Studies
1. Challenges and Crises for the Churches in Myanmar
2. Interfaith Studies
3. Contextualization