General provisions

The course is included in the Master's Programme in Religion in Peace and Conflict.

Entry requirements

University studies of at least 180 credits where the main field of study consists of at least 90 credits in Theology, History, Philosophy, Linguistics, Educational Science, Social Science or the equivalent.

Learning outcomes

The course aim is for students to acquire knowledge of historical and contemporary religious and ethically based peace and justice movements.

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• analyse and critically discuss different theories and methods of significance to religious and ethically based peace and justice movements;
• independently reflect over and argue in support of different forms of religious and ethically based engagement from past and present;
• independently identify and formulate such methodological problems that are related to empirical research on religious and ethically based engagement;
• orally and in writing communicate issues of relevance to the course to a non-academic audience;
• show examples of how different religious groups express their commitment to peace and justice;
• problematise the role of religion in different types of conflict.

Content

The course provides an introduction to religiously and ethically based engagement. Students discuss key concepts and analyse contemporary and historical case studies from different theoretical perspectives. The course focuses on the religious and secular roots of engagement. Also studied are central dilemmas such as the relationship between ends and means, the unforeseen consequences of engagement and the difficulties which can be faced by the relatives of engaged persons. The course presents and discusses engagement for peace and justice in the Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Humanist and traditional religious traditions.

Instruction

The course can be taken as a distance-learning course. There are a few days compulsory attendance on campus. Contact between teachers and students takes place via a course portal online.

Assessment

The course is assessed on the basis of active participation in seminar discussions and through oral and written assignments.

Transitional provisions

Students who have studied according to this course syllabus may be examined according to the same syllabus within two years of the course date. In special circumstances, a retake may also occur at a later date. Normally, teaching according to an older course syllabus will not be offered.