Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Politics in the Name of God: From Democratization to Holy War
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Theology and Religion
Module Code	09 28794
Module Lead	Jagbir Jhutti Johal and Katherine E Brown
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-10 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module reviews and evaluates the significance of religion in global politics and international relations and its intersection with domestic politics and public policy. Whilst recent analysis of religion and politics has generally focussed principally on Islam, this module recognizes the role of the major religions (defined as those faiths with a ‘world-wide’ presence) in the shaping of the politics of nation-states and the development of the international system. The module will survey the approach to religion adopted by major theories of international relations and discuss their most relevant insights, in order to understand contemporary political challenges, which include those of democratization, political development, political violence, gender, the environment, economic affairs, humanitarian intervention, globalization and other concerns that can intersect both with religious groups and ideas. The module will also look at the role of religion in various aspects of politics: institutions and structures, political parties, civil society and social movements, and economic development.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Evaluate the impact of religion and religious affairs in global geopolitics and illustrate this significance through the analysis of specific case studies Demonstrate good critical understanding of key concepts, theories and principles of international relations and sociology as they relate to the study of religion in today’s world Explain and elucidate the perspectives of a variety of world faiths on key issues including peace, violence and terror; democratization; economic and social development; gender; and globalisation Analyse and assess recent scholarship in this field arising from a variety of disciplinary contexts
Assessment	28794-03 : 1000 word Critical Review of Policy Brief : Coursework (25%) 28794-04 : 2500 word Essay : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: One 1000-word Critical Review (25%); AND One x 2,500-word essay (75%). Reassessment: As above. Resit failed component if required to pass the module overall.
Other
Reading List