Course content

The course focuses on the activities of trans-national actors and international organisations, and the conceptions of religion, nation, ethnicity and science which guide them. Regional focus is mainly (but not exclusively) the Middle East. Examples of relevant problem-areas are debates about multiculturalism and integration on national levels, and the corresponding debates about democracy, human rights, science, natural resources, and security on the level of the global society. The course will also provide further study of the methodological and theoretical issues related to the study of religion, as well as deeper study of selected topics in the history of the discipline. The course will thereby provide a further understanding of various approaches, how theories are formed, and related issues.

Learning outcome

The objective is to train students to: - Analyse the roles which religion plays both for trans-national actors and international organisations, and their conceptions of nation, ethnicity and science. - Analyse how religion is expressed by these actors and organisations in current global debates about democracy, human rights, and science, and their reception in national debates about multiculturalism and integration. - Distinguish between research problems and policy problems.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching consists of lectures. The lectures aim at outlining broad frameworks for thinking about the issues which are treated in the course readings, and raising the policy issues touched upon. In order to take the exam the students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures, and a written exercise assignment (2000-2500 words) must be submitted and approved by a deadline announced at the beginning of the semester. The exam consists of a written assignment (3000-4000 words).

Compulsory assignments

• The students are required to attend a minimum of 75 % of the lectures.
• 1 approved exercise assignment .

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.

Credit reductions