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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

Leiden students: 15 May (13:00hrs) until 10 July 2025

EUR and TUD students: 15 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2025

Minor

Vak EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Two mandatory Courses:
Religion in the World 5
Religion and Politics 5

Choose three of the courses below:

Please note: electives are subject to availability
Introduction to the Study of Islam 5
Jews and Judaism: An Introduction 5
Religie, levensbeschouwing en burgerschap in het onderwijs 5
Global Christianity 5
Introduction to Buddhism 5
Introduction to Hindu Religions 5
Literatuur, Cultuur en Religie van het Oude Israël: Introductie tot de Hebreeuwse Bijbel 5
Christendom: de basics 5
Antieke Godsdiensten 5
New Religions 5
BA Numata Buddhist Studies Seminar 5
Islam in Europe 5
Taoïsme: de levende religie 5
Weerbare democratie en ‘democratic backsliding’ 5

Choose one of the two courses below:
Sociology of Religion 5
Psychologie van Religie 5

Meer info

Information

  • Extent: 30 EC (1 one semester or spread over 2 semesters)

  • 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

  • Programme Coordinator: Dr. V.H. Meyer

  • Information: Coordinator of Studies

  • Board of Examiners: Religious Studies

  • Registration: via EduXchange:
    Leiden students: 15 May (13:00hrs) until 10 July 2025
    EUR and TUD students: 15 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2025

Request an eduID account to register in EduXchange. On how to do this, watch Explore & register for your minor via eduXchange.

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.