Introductory description

Religion is at the root of some of the most contentious and controversial issues in contemporary politics. Debates around security and violence, the role of faith schools, public policy issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, clashes over freedom of expression, gender rights, advances in medical technologies, and tensions around multiculturalism are just some of the ways in which religion and politics have intermixed. This module explores the political context of religion through an interdiscplinary approach that draws on a variety of research agendas in fields such as political science, sociology, cognitive science, psychology and history. It examines a wide range of issues, including the nature of religious belief, the historical and social development of religion (and non-religion), debates around secularism, the rise of fundamentalism, morality, and religious violence.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

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Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced and applied knowledge of the theoretical issues and debates surrounding the relationship between politics and religion.
• 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.
• Relate contemporary issues surrounding religion and politics to conceptual and theoretical frameworks of understanding.

Indicative reading list

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Subject specific skills

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Transferable skills

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