GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course is designed to introduce students to the complex relationships between religion and politics drawing on cross-cultural case studies that range from the premodern to the contemporary period. The course takes a cross-disciplinary approach examining research from anthropology, sociology, psychology, and history. “Religion,” as defined in the course, refers not only to doctrinal beliefs and formal institutions also to informal supernatural beliefs, ritual practices, and the various subcultures and social aspects associated with religious communities. The principal aim of the course is to explore how religions as cultural systems interact and affect political systems and nation-states. By the end of the course, students will have a firm understanding of the complex relationship that religious groups, institutions, and larger traditions have with political systems.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: (1) analyze and discuss the roles that religion has played historically and cross-culturally in politics and public life; (2) understand the complex and diverse ways that religion and politics can interact; (3) critically evaluate scholarly research and media accounts that explore issues of religion and politics; (4) compare and contrast various theoretical models of religion and politics and the associated arguments.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This courses will be taught primarily through a combination of lectures, class discussion, and small group discussion. Each class will include a lecture followed by a class/group discussion based on related readings. Students will also need to complete reaction papers assigned to help reflect on the topics of selected classes. Students will also be required to select a topic and prepare an oral presentation on one of the topics covered during the classes. Presentations should be submitted with a script and students will receive written feedback.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Religion and Politics:
Course Introduction and Overview

Introduction to the course and review of the syllabus.

2[対面/face to face]：Defining Religion and Politics

An examination of the debates surrounding how to define religion and politics and the associated theoretical approaches.

3[対面/face to face]：The evolutionary role of religion in society

Exploring the role of religion in human societies from a cultural evolutionary perspective. Discussing its potential role in enabling large scale cooperation.

4[対面/face to face]：Religion and the State: Compatibility, Conflict, and Convergence

An examination of the varied relationships between religions and states, drawing on historical and contemporary examples.

5[対面/face to face]：Secularization Thesis

A critical assessment of the secularization thesis and the evidence presented for and against the position.

6[対面/face to face]：Resurgent Religiosity

An examination of contemporary claims of resurgent religiosity and growth in alternative religious beliefs.

7[対面/face to face]：Mid-term Exam

Mid-term Exam

8[対面/face to face]：Religious Identity & Intergroup Conflict

Exploring the role of religious identity in conflicts through two case studies: 1. Buddhist nationalism and Hindu minority identities in Sri Lanka. 2. The role of Catholic & Protestant identity in the Northern Irish ‘Troubles’

9[対面/face to face]：Religious Activism
and Social Protest

Exploring the ability for religion to function as a source of activism including as an anti-state counter-hegemonic, emancipatory force.

10[対面/face to face]：Online Gurus, Conspiracy Cults, & New Political Movements

Reviewing new interactions between religion and politics in the contemporary world, especially in the online sphere.

11[対面/face to face]：State Religion & War

Examining the nature of state religions through a case study of State Shinto & Buddhist institutions involvement in WW2.

12[対面/face to face]：Religious Extremism & Terrorism

A critical examination of the role that religious doctrines and personal beliefs play in terrorism.

13[対面/face to face]：Religion and Social Issues: Evolution, Abortion, and Same-Sex Marriage

Investigating the role that religion plays in controversial social issues. Focusing on debates surrounding the teaching of evolution, abortion, and same sex marriage.

14[対面/face to face]：Final Exam & Wrap-up

Course wrap up and final exam

Students are expected to complete their weekly reading assignments and reaction papers, participate in class discussions, and prepare a 15-20 minute oral presentation on a topic of their choice. Preparatory study/reading and review time for this class is estimated to be at least 4 hours per week.

All readings will be distributed by the instructor.

Haynes, J. (Ed.). (2008). Routledge handbook of religion and politics. Routledge.
Fox, J. (2018). An introduction to religion and politics: Theory and practice. Routledge.
These books are useful references but not necessary to purchase.

Presentation 20%
Mid-term exam 25%
Final exam 25%
Weekly in-class participation 15%
Reaction Papers & Homework 15%

Reaction papers have been added to help students process the readings. The structure of group discussions has been altered to facilitate more interaction in discussions. In-class oral presentations of weekly readings have been removed.

Students do not need any specialist equipment beyond access to a PC/laptop & the internet. Students will need to complete readings before each class and submit reaction papers online via Google Classroom. At various points in the semester, students should be prepared to participate in discussions of ideas and concepts covered in readings.

None.