Not available in 2020/21
EU475 Half Unit
Religious Diversity and Conflict in Europe
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
TBD
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe, MSc in Culture and Conflict in a Global Europe (LSE & Sciences Po), MSc in Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation, MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi), MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in History of International Relations, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in Social Anthropology (Religion in the Contemporary World) and MSc in Theory and History of International Relations. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
Europe has never been homogenous, but it is increasingly more so heterogenous religiously, ethnically, and culturally since the World War II. We will start by discussing the making and transformation of the concepts of religion and nation in modern times. We will then talk about the importance of imperial encounter in the creation of world religions and also in post-colonial nationalisms and fundamentalisms. We will then discuss how religions became nationalized and move on to the discussion of religious qualities of nationalism and the concept of civil religion. We will discuss how religious diversity is dealt with in different countries in and around Europe such as Germany, France, U.K, Turkey, Israel, India, and Russia. Students will have a chance to discuss the concepts we explored in class in the context of a country of their choice.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT.
Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Weekly response papers to readings.
One 15 minute presentation during the term - possibly with another student.
500 word summary of the final essay
Indicative reading
- Brown, Wendy. 2008, Regulating Aversion: Tolerance in the Age of Identity and Empire
- Balibar, Etienne. 1991, Is There a ‘Neo-Racism’?; Stolcke, Verena. 1995, Talking Culture: New Boundaries
- Shryock, Andrew. 2010, Islamophobia/Islamophilia: Beyond the Politics of Enemy and Friend
- Norton, Anne. 2013, On the Muslim Question
- Scott, Joan. 2009, The Politics of the Veil
- Bunzl, Matti. 2005, Between Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia: Some Thoughts on the New Europe
- Laurence, Jonathan. 2012, Emancipating Muslims
- Ozyurek, Esra. 2014, Being German, Becoming Muslim: Race, Religion and Conversion in Contemporary Germany.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 5000 words) in the ST.
Students will write an essay on a topic determinded together with the instructor.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: European Institute
Total students 2019/20: 32
Average class size 2019/20: 16
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
