Can smaller subjects thrive when small is no longer beautiful? Reflections from Theology and Religious Studies

• Published in: Journal of the British Academy Vol. 13
• Main Author: Barclay, John M.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.03.2025
• ISSN: 2052-7217; 2052-7217
• DOI: 10.5871/jba/013.a04

In view of the current experience of UK units in Theology and Religious Studies (TRS), reflections are offered on the benefits and potential threats in an era when it is fashionable for university authorities to amalgamate smaller units in the arts and humanities. Three strategies are highlighted: exercising leadership, cultivating a distinct and coherent identity, and creating persuasive local and translocal narratives. The experience of TRS is that small does not, and need not mean ‘weak’. But clear strategies and wise tactics that fit the local context (some are suggested here) are necessary for the continuance of a subject that is of crucial national and international significance. This article is published in the thematic collection ‘On recent closures and threats of closure in the Humanities and Social Sciences’, edited by Regenia Gagnier.