1. Proposed Interfaith Studies Certificate Program
Bonnie Glass-Coffin (Anthropology), Jessica Lucero (Social Work), Steven Lucero (CAPS/School of Veterinary Medicine)

2. What is “interfaith studies?”
An emerging interdisciplinary field
that examines “the multiple dimensions of how individuals and groups who orient around religion differently interact with one another…
that studies “the implications of these interactions for communities, civil society, and global politics”
that focuses on interactions between the religious in a world that is awash in religion.

3. The main objectives…
Teaches respect for people’s diverse religious and non- religious identities,
Builds skill sets for encouraging mutually inspiring relationships between people of different backgrounds,
Builds student capacity for work and life in a 21st C world
Builds capacity for civil dialogue and civic engagement and
Provides a forum for serving and engaging with people across “faith-divides” in common action for the common good.

4. Building capacity on campus
“Any college [or university] that promises to prepare global citizens has to take religious diversity seriously…[and should] educate their students to be interfaith leaders” (6/16: Chronicle of Higher Education)

5. “real-world” opportunities for our students?
What is the need for training in interfaith studies and how does this translate to
“real-world” opportunities for our students?
This new frontier of religious appreciation through an understanding of difference…is incredibly important to our world and our daily lives.--Nancy Cable/Arthur Vining Davis

6. Are students interested in having these kinds of discussions at USU
Are students interested in having these kinds of discussions at USU? Is it appropriate?
Source: (UNC Campus Health)
89%
71%

7. IDEALS survey results: USU

8. USU is well positioned for this work because…
Student interest/background
USU Interfaith Initiative infrastructure
Some seed monies from IFYC

10. The Proposal 21 credit undergraduate certificate composed of
2 foundations courses
Intro to Religious Studies or Anthropology of Religion
Intro to Interfaith Leadership
1 course each from 4 thematic areas
History of Interfaith Cooperation/Conflict
Theologies of Interfaith Cooperation
Appreciative Knowledge of Religious Traditions
Ethical Community Involvement
1 practicum experience

11. The Mini-Grants Up to $500 Course development or revisions
Brief proposal
Due Oct 24th (possible extension to Oct 31st)
Possible additional funds for practicum development

12. Mini-Grant Application Requirements
A letter outlining your motivation/interest (1 page)
A brief proposal (2 pages) with
Course title/description/instructor of record/sponsoring department
Outline of proposed changes to course/outline of idea for new course
Intended frequency of instruction
Budget (1 page)
Letter of endorsement from Department Head (1 page)
Submit to by deadline.

13. Resources Sample Syllabi from IFYC Round 1
Integrating InterfaithStudent Learning Objectives
Sample SLO’s from CSU Chico
SLO 1: Describe the basic beliefs and practices of major world religious traditions and how they intersect with diverse social identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, gender, class) 
SLO 2: Describe historical patterns of interreligious conflict and cooperation, and apply theoretical models to understand them 
SLO 3: Identify laws, policies, and ethical and cultural frameworks that create barriers and opportunities for diverse religious groups 
SLO 4: Participate in and facilitate effective dialogue among those with different religious or non-religious backgrounds and identities 

14. Questions? Interested in participating in next steps?
Bonnie Glass-Coffin or
Jess Lucero or
Steve Lucero or