Teaching Religious Studies as an Academic Discipline in Higher Education Institutions of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article focuses on the analysis of teaching Religious Studies in higher education institutions of Kazakhstan. After the concept of state atheism was abandoned in this country, radical changes have occurred in the role played by religion and religious associations. Naturally, this resulted in the changes in general education programs. The study of religion was included into educational programs and began to be taught in different forms in higher school and in college. In the early 1990s, Religious Studies began to be introduced as a specialization and a major (Religious Studies) or optional courses (History of Religions, Religious Studies, World Religions, etc.) in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan and other post-Soviet states. Since then, vast experience has been accumulated in teaching Religious Studies as an academic discipline, and the authors share it with the colleagues from other countries within this article.