European Journal of Science and Theology, October 2013, Vol.9, No.5, 211-223 _______________________________________________________________________ THE ROLE OF MEDIA LITERACY DEVELOPMENT AS A PART OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM Norbert Vrabec, Petra Polievková and Mária Moravčíková * University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Faculty of Mass Media Communication, Nám. J. Herdu 2, 91701 Trnava, Slovak Republic (Received 10 July 2013, revised 21 July 2013) Abstract This contribution analyzes media literacy development as a component of education for democratic citizenship and personal development of children and youth. We analyze the features, approaches and innovative strategies of integration of media education into the religious education curriculum. Media literacy strategies can play a key role in helping teachers to fulfil their responsibility for preparing children and adolescents to use the internet, television and other media that surround them. Our approach reflects the need to educate not only in technical aspects of information and communication technologies, but also in their responsible and meaningful use. One of the important goals of current religious teaching could be to stimulate critical and creative thinking and promote digital citizenship and the ethical values. This article, showcasing the experience gathered by Slovak schools, provides insights on the inclusive and innovative educational trends within a media saturated environment of contemporary society. Keywords: media education, media literacy strategies, religious education, ethics, curriculum 1. Introduction Media are regarded by experts as one of the factors that determine development of an individual and contribute to personality formation. They have potential to support the process of his/her socialization, influence value orientation, and are propagators of culture and traditions. The indicated positive features balance out the negatives ones which, are usually pointed out more strongly in relation to media. Media sphere can be justifiably regarded as an independent industrial sector; its production can be compared to industrial production. Transnational corporations produce „media templates‟, i.e. – formats to be used with minimal changes within local media markets. Recipients of media contents are in the position of customers who invest their money and time into this industry; we * Corresponding author, e-mail: maria.moravcikova@ucm.sk