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Duration
Identical coursesPerspectives on Religion and Meaning (B-KUL-A08C2A)
Aims
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Explain the role convictions and religions, in particular the Christian faith tradition, play in history, in contemporary (pluralistic) society and in world politics;
- Analyze the underlying world views and perspectives on the human person present in certain social and cultural phenomena, and to reflect on them critically;
- Discuss the link between religion and conviction on the one hand, and the field of the different disciplines in historical science and interact with them critically;
- Recognize the role of religious actors in conflict prevention, conflict management and conflict solutions;
- Demonstrate the importance of religious freedom and the defense of pluralism in a democratic society;
- Explain how insight into lifestance questions and visions can contribute to the development of one’s professional identity as a service to society.
These aims are communicated to the students at the beginning of the course.
Is included in these courses of study
- Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (Programme for students started before 2022-2023) (Leuven) (Specialisation: Political Sciences) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (Programme for students started before 2022-2023) (Leuven) (Specialisation: Sociology) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Communication Science (Programme for students started before 2022-2023) (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Communication Science (Programme for students started in 2022-2023 or later) (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (Programme for students started in 2020-2021 or later)(Leuven) (Specialisation Political Science) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (Programme for students started in 2020-2021 or later)(Leuven) (Specialisation Sociology) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (Programme for students started in 2020-2021 or later)(Leuven) (Specialisation in Political Sciences: adapted third Stage for Students who followed the Political Sciences Transfer Option in the Bachelor of History) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology (Programme for students started in 2020-2021 or later)(Leuven) (Specialisation in Political Sciences: adapted third Stage for Students who followed the Political Sciences Transfer Option in the Bachelor of Law) 180 ects.
Activities
3 ects. Perspectives on Religion and Meaning (B-KUL-A08C2a)
Content
This course starts from the issue of the role of religions in the complexity of the actual world. What is the impact of secularization and globalization processes? Is the public role of religions reducing or is there such a thing as the ‘retour de Dieu’?
The question of the link between religion, violence and peace is explored, just as the role of religion in international relations. The geopolitical role of the biggest world religions (especially Christianity and Islam) is discussed, both in a historical and actual perspective.
The development and importance of the interfaith dialogue are explained, as well as its role in conflict prevention and resolution processes.
Also the question of religion and conviction in the public space in today’s liberal secular societies is addressed, with links to actual debates on headscarves, ritual slaughter, circumcision, …
Students are required to take one online learning module in Toledo as part of this subject. They can choose from the following modules for this purpose: 1. Sustainability (ecological crisis) / 2. Crime and (prison) punishment / 3. The fifth or/and sixth day: animal or/and human / 4. Culture-sensitive care / 5. Religion and Migration in Europe / 6. Religion and Science / 7. Palliative care / 8. Contemporary Art, Religion and Spirituality.
The purpose of the module is (i) an introduction to a social topic where religion, meaning and philosophy of life is relevant, (ii) interdisciplinary consultation, and (iii) making the topic one's own. The online module will be completed within well-defined time limits communicated via Toledo.
Format: more information
Asynchronous online learning - Traditional lecture