Experiential Learning in Religious Studies

New research published in Teaching Theology & Religion focuses on the intellectual power of religious studies in a variety of experiential contexts, including study abroad.

Jennifer Oldstone-Moore of Wittenberg University published the article, which is available on a subscription-only basis at the journal’s Web site. From the author-supplied abstract:

This article outlines a template for sustained experiential learning designed to provide a context for learning the affective and performative as well as intellectual power of religion. This approach was developed for a traditional academic framework, adapting pedagogies developed for experiential learning, aesthetic training, and study abroad, and draws on personal experiences of teaching East Asian religions. The approach integrates intellectual learning with out of class experience to stimulate and enrich the highly personal and often significant questions that may arise upon studying religion and encountering religious practices both in and out of the classroom.

Oldstone-Moore is a specialist at Wittenberg in Chinese religious traditions and teaches courses in Chinese and Japanese religion, Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism and Chinese popular religion, Religion and Literature in East Asia, political manifestations of Chinese religion and East Asian Studies.