course-details-portlet

RVI2195 - Religion and Politics

About

Lessons are not given in the academic year 2023/2024

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Assignment 100/100

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 and skills):

Knowledge

  • 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

  • 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

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars.

In order to sit the exam students must get an obligatory activity approved . 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.

Compulsory assignments

  • Approved obligatory activity

Further on evaluation

Evaluation by assignment (6000-8000 words).

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

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

More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  15.0 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

No

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Comparative Religion
Contact information

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Assignment 100/100

Release
2023-09-20

Submission
2023-12-11


09:00


14:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Assignment 100/100

Release
2024-02-12

Submission
2024-05-22


09:00


14:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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