Expert talk on Research in the Humanities & Religious studies
Event Date: 8 July 2025 3:00 PM
Event brief description
Dr. Yeolekar delivered a thought-provoking session on the significance of Religious Studies within the broader context of Humanities and Social Sciences. She emphasized how Religious studies is not just about theology, but a multidisciplinary field that explores the diverse ways in which religion shapes culture, identity, ethics and society.
Event Detailed Description
She emphasized how Religious studies is not just about theology, but a multidisciplinary field that explores the diverse ways in which religion shapes culture, identity, ethics and society.
Key Insights Covered:
Religious Studies as a critical lens to understand human behaviour and belief systems
The interdisciplinary nature of the field – blending history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and more
The need for nuanced and inclusive research in todays pluralistic world
Interactive Q&A Session:
SOLE faculty members enthusiastically participated in the interactive segment.
The session was more of an interactive session with hands-on activities involving – think-pair-share. The faculty were actively involved in innovative ideas around introducing the interdisciplinary course on Religious studies encompassing varied perspectives and approaches.
Department Name – School of Liberal Education
Event Outcome
Key Takeaways
Religious Studies as a Multidisciplinary Field
Religious Studies extends beyond theology, incorporating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, philosophy, history, and political science to understand the multifaceted impact of religion on individuals and societies.
Understanding Human Belief Systems
The study of religion offers critical insights into human behavior, values, and belief systems, thereby enhancing our understanding of cultural identity, social norms, and ethical frameworks.
Importance of Interdisciplinarity
The session reinforced the need for an interdisciplinary approach in Humanities research, emphasizing that complex global issues require diverse academic lenses and collaborative inquiry.
Contextual and Inclusive Research
In an increasingly pluralistic world, research in Religious Studies must be inclusive, context-sensitive, and aware of the lived experiences of diverse communities.
Pedagogical Innovation
Faculty members discussed innovative teaching methods and course designs that could integrate Religious Studies into existing humanities curricula, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness among students.
Active Faculty Engagement
The interactive "think-pair-share" activities encouraged faculty to reflect on and share ideas, making the session highly participatory and practice-oriented.
Contribution to SDGs
The talk aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—highlighting the societal relevance of Humanities research.
Related Goal