Religious, Cultural and Ethnic Literacy (Microprogram)

Religion has played a defining role in Quebec’s history and continues to influence contemporary social and cultural realities. In our increasingly globalized world, we often interact with people from many diverse religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

The Microprogram in Religious, Cultural and Ethnic Literacy examines religions and cultures through critical, historical and sociological perspectives, giving students the tools to better understand today’s diverse world. You will examine profound aspects of human experience through a modern intersectional lens focusing on multiple groups, including Indigenous, East, South and Southeast Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, North African, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and queer communities. Learn how to navigate intercultural challenges, understand the link between beliefs and identity and create a more inclusive workplace for diverse perspectives and cultures.

• Understand the variety and depth of religious, spiritual, ethnic and cultural expressions across contemporary societies worldwide, with particular attention to traditions and perspectives rooted outside Euro‑Atlantic frameworks
• Develop capacity for cultural humility, including self-critical analysis of one’s own biases and positionality in relation to course material and professional practice
• Acquire an understanding of historical and contemporary experiences related to heightened emotions and conflict, and their intersections with ethnicity, class and gender
• Apply social‑scientific and comparative methodologies to study culturally sensitive topics, including religious practice, ritual, violence, death, ethics and responses to social conflict

Who is this program for?

Professionals with public-facing clientele and those who work regularly with diverse populations, including healthcare professionals, HR professionals, social workers, tech product & UX designers, hospitality/tourism/airline staff, school administrators, teachers and student service staff.

Students will choose three courses to complete this microprogram. 

Choose nine credits from the following:

• RELI 210 Religion in Practice (3.00)
• RELI 312 Justice and Social Conflict in a Globalized World (3.00)
• RELI 355 Religion and Violence (3.00)
• RELI 378 Death and Dying (3.00)
• RELI 3890 Queer Spiritualities (3.00)

A new course in Cultural Diversity is currently being developed. Additional RELI courses may also be deemed appropriate for this microprogram. Please consult with the Undergraduate Advisor.

Move towards a more compassionate and just society by bridging gaps in cultural understanding. After the Microprogram in Religious, Cultural and Ethnic Literacy, you will possess the communication and interpersonal skills to work in a variety of fields that interact with diverse populations, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• International relations
• Law
• Non-profit and community work
• Social work

You will also be prepared to further your education in a bachelor's program related to culture or religion, or graduate studies if you already have a bachelor's degree.

This microprogram welcomes candidates with non-traditional career paths or those who do not necessarily possess a university or college degree. 

• The microprogram is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only.
• You do not need a previous degree or diploma to be accepted.

1. You’ll need a Concordia Netname to start an application. Create a Netname account.
2. Once you have a Netname, complete an application. Select “Undergraduate Microprogram” from the list to get started.
3. Include your supporting documents:
   • Curriculum vitae (cv);
   • Letter of intent explaining your motivations and knowledge
   • Proof of your status in Canada or your Quebec permanent code if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident that has previously studied in Quebec.
4. Have a valid credit card to pay the application fee of $40 CAD.
   Please note that we accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club and UATP.
   
   You may upload documents to your application even after submitting it. However, we cannot complete the assessment of your application until we receive all required documents.

For questions about the microprogram in Religious, Cultural and Ethnic Literacy, please contact Dr. Sowparnika Balaswaminathan at sowparnika.balaswaminathan@concordia.ca.