Admission requirements
None.
Description
This course explores the complex and contested nexus between religion and politics. The first section of the course analyses characterizations of religion at play in several theories of democracy so as to critically examine commonly-assumed notions of religion that underpin much contemporary political discourse. The second section investigates several country case studies, each of which exemplify a distinct model regarding the relation between religion and politics. The course concludes with a third section that probes the politics surrounding several contemporary issues, inquiring as to how religion might be entangled in the debates.
Course objectives
Through participation in this course, diligent students will:
Gain an understanding of the conceptualizations of religion at play in prominent theories of democracy
Expand their knowledge of the different ways in which several countries around the world have structured the relationship between religion and politics in practice
Become aware of the multifaceted presence of religion in contemporary political debates
Through participation in this course, diligent students will also:
Learn to synthesize and prioritize large amounts of information
Cultivate the ability to distill complex arguments
Improve writing skills through assignments and examinations
Improve public speaking skills through engagement with peers in class discussion
Develop critical thinking skills to further pursue questions regarding religion and politics as well as to interject as informed citizens within public debates
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Assessment method
Two response essays (750 words each): 40%
Written examination with essay questions: 60%
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.
Resit
Students who have submitted their response essays on time but scored an overall insufficient grade for the course are entitled to a resit. For the resit, students are given a chance to retake the written examination.
Exam review
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
The reading list will be available on Brightpace prior to the start of the course.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in the context of Contract teaching (including taking examinations), e.g. about costs, registration and conditions.
Exchange students having questions regarding registration, may contact the Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Vrieshof.
Remarks
-