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In our current global community where misunderstanding regarding the religious and non-religious worldviews of ‘the other’ lead to conflicts of various kinds and degrees, increasing students’ religious & secular worldview literacy at all levels is desperately needed. Next week, I will be sharing my experience with the process (so far!) of proposing and designing a course on religious and secular worldview literacy at a religiously-sponsored institution of higher education (Brigham Young University-Idaho is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). The main items for my presentation will focus on: receiving administrative support, surveying campus-wide student interest, involving students in the process of course design, and other positive opportunities that have opened up as a result of this process.
Dr. Ryan Gardner received his Ph.D. in Education (with an emphasis in Curriculum & Instruction) from Utah State University. He also holds an M.A. in Religious Education from Brigham Young University-Provo. After teaching seminary (religious education for high school age youth) and institute (religious education for college age youth) for 11 years, he had the opportunity to help develop curriculum for seminary and institute programs worldwide for Church Educational System of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for three years. From there, he came to Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he has taught courses primarily in LDS Church history and scripture for nearly six years. His passion for the subject of religious & worldview literacy comes from his involvement with the Religious Education Association for the last eight years, his attendance at the 2015 Parliament of World Religions in Salt Lake City, Utah, and his recent experience at the 62nd Commission on the Status of Women at the UN. He and his wife Kathryn have six children (and one son-in-law) and a rescue greyhound that everyone in the family adores!
