Course content

This course provides an introduction to the complex relation between religion and politics in historical and contemporary societies, from a local to a global perspective. Based on core issues, debates, and case examples, we will analyze the role of religion in politics, the political aspects of religion, and the conflictual intertwining of both in past and present conflicts.

Topics may include:

• Religion and the state, ranging from classical theocracies to "small government" models and anti-state concepts
• Religion and conflicts, including minority rights issues as well as cases of "blasphemy" and the criticism of religion in historical and contemporary perspective
• Religion, violence, and liberation, ranging from the violent potential of religions to religious justifications of war; the role of religion in anti-colonial movements and its peacebuilding and liberating potential
• Religious and secular concepts of society; models of the good life; utopias; and the question of shared values
• Freedom of and freedom from religion

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge, skills and general competence):

Knowledge

The candidate has

• knowledge of different aspects of the relation between religion and politics
• knowledge of a specific conflict, its historic context and religious aspects
• knowledge of religious and secular concepts of politics, the state, and society

Skills

The candidate can

• convey academic knowledge about past and present cases of the relation between religion and politics
• apply the methods of primary and secondary source analysis and academic referencing
• prepare and hold an oral presentation either individually or as teamwork.
• apply the basics of conflict analysis

General competence

The candidate has

• insight into the relationship between religion and politics in historical and modern societies, from a local to a global perspective.
• experience in planning and executing a written essay with a defined length and through successive stages

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars.

In order to sit the exam, an oral presentation is required . For more information on the obligatory activity, see Blackboard.

The obligatory activity can only be approved in the semester when the course is taught, but is valid in this and the subsequent term. Obligatory activities which are older than two semesters can be accepted but must be applied for and assessed for alignment with current obligatory activities and requirements for exam preparation.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation

Recommended previous knowledge

Skills equivalent to one year of university studies, including basic courses in religious studies.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.