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

Barclay, John M.G.

Abstract

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.

Citation

Barclay, J. M. (2025). Can smaller subjects thrive when small is no longer beautiful? Reflections from Theology and Religious Studies. Journal of the British Academy, 13(1), Article a04. https://doi.org/10.5871/jba/013.a04

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 20, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 20, 2025
• Publication Date: Mar 20, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 17, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 17, 2025
• Journal: Journal of the British Academy
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-7217
• Publisher: British Academy
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: a04
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5871/jba/013.a04
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4269685