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 but 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 with and affect political systems and nation-states.

By the end of the course, students will have a firm understanding of the complex relationships that religious groups, institutions, and larger traditions have with political systems. Students will critically engage with diverse perspectives, analyze the role of religion in both fostering political cohesion and inciting conflict, and develop the ability to assess contemporary issues where religion and politics intersect. This course is intended to improve students' analytical skills, increase cross-cultural awareness, and provide them with the tools to understand the significance of religion in global and local political contexts.

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 and explain the complex and diverse ways that religion and politics can interact in different cultural and historical contexts.
3) Critically evaluate scholarly research and media accounts that explore issues of religion and politics, identifying biases and methodological strengths or weaknesses.
4) Compare and contrast various theoretical models of religion and politics, articulating the key arguments and implications of each.
5) Apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary case studies, demonstrating the ability to assess real-world interactions between religion and politics.

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

英語 / English

This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, class discussions, and small group activities. Each session will begin with a lecture introducing key concepts and case studies, followed by class and group discussions based on the assigned readings. Students will be required to submit reaction papers online to reflect on specific topics covered in selected classes, fostering deeper engagement with the material. Additionally, each student will select a topic related to the course content and prepare an oral presentation. Presentations must be accompanied by a written script, and students will receive constructive written feedback on both the content and delivery of their presentations and reaction papers.

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

Religion and Politics:
Course Introduction and Overview

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 & Course Review

Mid-term Exam and Course Review

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

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

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. For selected weeks students will be asked to summarise key readings. 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 on the online platform for class material.

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 25%
Mid-term exam 25%
Final exam 25%
Reaction Papers 25%

There will be an increased emphasis on class discussions to add variety and promote active engagement alongside lectures. Revision guides will be provided for exams.

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.