Prospectus

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Religion in a Changing World

Minor

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.

Religion is everywhere. Knowledge of religion is essential for anyone who wants to understand the world. If you are fascinated by the diversity of religions, their development throughout history and their meaning today – both in people’s personal lives and in society – the minor Religion in a Changing World is the right choice as a supplement to your major.

This minor includes mandatory and elective courses and is designed to acquaint students with the tools essential for studying, interpreting, and analysing religion as a human phenomenon. The first mandatory course, Religion in the World, provides an introductory survey of religion as a human cultural endeavour from prehistory to the present and from a global perspective. The second mandatory course, Religion and Politics, explores the complex and contested nexus between religion and politics. Students then choose three electives focusing on specific religious traditions (e.g. Islam, Buddhism, Hindu religions etc.) or broader themes (e.g. spirituality and health, education, etc.), as well as one of two courses exploring a social scientific approach (Sociology of Religion in English or Psychologie van Religie in Dutch).

The course list for the minor includes both English and Dutch courses, but it is possible to take the minor entirely in English (either entirely in semester 1 or spread across both semesters).

Maximum number of participants: 70

Prospectus number: 5000MRELN

Language: English/Dutch

Registration: via EduXchange see More Info

15 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2025

Minor

Course EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Two mandatory Courses:
Religion in the World 5
Comparative Religion 10

Choose two of the courses below:

Please note: electives are subject to availability
Introduction to the Study of Islam 5
Jews and Judaism: An Introduction 5
Religion, Philosophy of Life and Citizenship in Education 5
Het Woord gaat voort: Geschiedenis, inhoud en socioculturele impact van de Bijbel 5
Introduction to Buddhism 5
Introduction to Hindu Religions 5
Literature, Culture and Religion in Ancient Israel. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible 5
Religie en politiek in modern China 5
Christianity: The Basics 5
Religions of Antiquity 5
New Religions 5
Islam in Europe 5
Global Christianity 5
Religion and Politics 5
Religion and Media 5
BA Numata Buddhist Studies Seminar 5
Taoïsme: de levende religie 5
Democratic self-defence and democratic backsliding 5

Choose one of the two courses below:
Sociology of Religion 5
Psychology of Religion 5

More info

Information

Students from another university: please visit Info about minors

x* From July, register separately for the courses via MyStudymap (only applies to LEI students!)
Guest students will be helped with their course enrollment.

Follow-on master’s programmes

MA Religious Studies. Students with a university BA degree in the humanities or social sciences who successfully complete the minor Religion in a Changing World will be eligible for admission to the MA Religious Studies at Leiden University.

Educatieve MA Religie en Levensbeschouwing. Students with a university BA degree in the humanities or social sciences who successfully complete the minor Religion in a Changing World will be eligible for admission to the two-year educational MA Religie en Levensbeschouwing at Leiden University. Students who are interested in going on to follow the MA Religie en Levensbeschouwing are advised to take the courses Christendom: de basics and Introduction to the Study of Islam as part of the minor.