Prospectus

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Religion in a Changing World

Minor

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 endeavor from prehistory to the present and from a global perspective. The second mandatory course, Comparative Religion, introduces the method of comparison and the difference between contextualised and decontextualised approaches in the study of religion. Students then have a choice of two electives that focus on specific religious traditions (e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, etc.) or themes (e.g. Politics, Science and Religion, Media, Education, etc.), as well as one elective exploring a social scientific approach (Sociology of Religion or Psychologie van Religie).

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).

You can register for this minor in uSis between May first and 15 July 2021
Maximum number of participants: 70
Prospectus number: 5000MRELN
Class number: 1027
Language: English/Dutch

Minor

Course EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Two mandatory Courses:
Comparative Religion (10ec) 10
Religion in the World 5

Choose two of the below courses:

Please note: electives are subject to availability
Apocalypse Now! Christian Expectations on the End of the World, 1500-1800 (and Beyond) 5
Gilgamesh, Mozes, Echnaton: godsdienst in het oude Nabije Oosten 5
Het Woord gaat voort: Geschiedenis, inhoud en socioculturele impact van de Bijbel 5
Introduction to Buddhism 5
Introduction to Hindu Religions 5
Introduction to the Study of Islam 5
Jews and Judaism: An Introduction 5
Religie, levensbeschouwing en burgerschap in het onderwijs 5
Antieke Godsdiensten 5
Christendom: de basics 5
Islam in Europe 5
Japanese New Religions: Continuity and Change 5
Literature, Culture and Religion in Ancient Israel. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. 5
New Religions 5
Religion and media 5
Religion and Politics 5

Choose one of two
Sociology of Religion 5
Psychology of Religion 5

More info

Information

  • Extent: 30 EC

  • Intended for: All students with an interest in the subject matter

  • Language of Instruction: English and Dutch. You can opt for a completely English taught package or a mix of Dutch and English taught courses.

  • Websites: Centre for the Study of Religion Leiden Religie Blog

  • Programme Coordinator: Dr. C.J. Pearce

  • Information: Coordinator of Studies

  • Board of Examiners: Religious Studies

  • Enrolment: via uSis from May 1st until July 15th 2021. NB: After registering for the minor, you must also enroll for the individual courses.

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.