PO383: The Politics of Religion

Academic aims: The Politics of Religion is a cross-disciplinary module that explores the intersection of politics and religion in the modern world from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. The academic aims of the module are to introduce students to the key themes and issues relating to the relationship between politics and religion, to facilitate an inter-disciplinary analysis of religio-politics in theoretical, conceptual and empirical terms, and to encourage critical thinking about the impact of religious belief on contemporary political issues and institutions.

Learning objectives: To demonstrate advanced and applied knowledge of the theoretical issues and debates surrounding the relationship between politics and religion. To demonstrate detailed and critical awareness of the key processes and dynamics through which religion has shaped, and continues to shape, contemporary politics and political institutions. To demonstrate the ability to relate contemporary issues surrounding religion and politics to theoretical and conceptual frameworks of understanding.

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Learning methods: Lectures provide a critical introduction to core themes and debates. Seminars consist of group discussion and further exploration of the issues raised in the previous lecture. Independent study is a key part of this module.

Illustrative reading:

Casanova, J. (1994), Public Religions in the Modern World, University of Chicago Press.

Fox, J. (2008), A World Survey of Religion and the State, Cambridge University Press.

Norris, P. and Inglehart. R. (2004), Sacred and Secular: Religion and Politics Worldwide, Cambridge University Press.

Module Director:	Steve Kettell
Teaching:	One lecture and one seminar per week
Assessment:	Assessment is by one of three methods: A three hour examination: three parts, four questions (100%), or two assessed essays of 5,000 words (50% each), or a one and a half-hour examination (two questions) and one assessment essay of 5000 words (50% each)

Politics & International Studies

PO383: The Politics of Religion

Module Director:

Steve Kettell

Teaching:

One lecture and one seminar per week

Assessment:

Assessment is by one of three methods: A three hour examination: three parts, four questions (100%), or two assessed essays of 5,000 words (50% each), or a one and a half-hour examination (two questions) and one assessment essay of 5000 words (50% each)