There are five mandatory sessions. You must attend all sessions to receive a certificate.
Session 1: Introduction to Interfaith Dialogue and Engagement
- Fall term: September 29, 2020 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Winter term: January 19, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
The first session will introduce students to main concepts, topics and definitions in the field of interfaith engagement. Students will reflect on how they understand interfaith work in relation to their own roles and contexts.
Session 2: Deeper Dive and Critical Approaches
- Fall term: October 6, 2020 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Winter term: January 26, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
In the second session, we will continue to explore concepts and topics introduced in session 1. We will apply a critical lens and look at the limitations of interfaith work, including what is and isn’t working in interfaith engagement.
Session 3
- Fall term: October 13, 2020 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Winter term: February 2, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Session 4
- Fall term: October 20, 2020 from 4 – 5:30 p.m
- Winter term: February 9, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
In sessions 3 and 4, we will explore houses of worship in a virtual tour and engage with speakers from various faith communities. Speakers will explore how religion/faith is experienced, how communities share values, and perspectives and purpose with regard to social action and justice.
We will explore how these commonalities can bring groups together to work towards a shared goal and how to address difficult topics in collaboration.
Session 5
- Fall term: October 27, 2020 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Winter term: February 16, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.
In this session, we will examine best practices for applying our knowledge about interfaith dialogue and social action in various settings (places of worship, work, school and community). This session will prepare students for their final experiential component of the program.
Practicum component: Specific opportunities to engage with local interfaith community organizations will be offered to students in order to complete the requirements for the certificate. Times, dates and locations may vary for the placements. For the fall term, we are working to offer online placements.
