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Module Title
Religion in Contemporary Global Politics I
School
Phil, Theology and Religion
Department
Theology and Religion
Module Code
09 17424
Module Lead
Dr Jhutti-Johal
Level
Masters Level
Credits
20
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
TThis module provides students with an advanced level understanding of the theoretical and conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics. Traditionally the study of political science and international relations has framed the understanding of religion within the context of secularisation and the nation-state. This interpretation is being increasingly contested by the impact of globalisation and the rise of anti-secular movements. The module will critically examine the secularisation thesis as applied to the 'West' (developed countries) and the 'East' (underdeveloped countries) and evaluate the impact of globalisation on collective religious identities.Following an introduction to the theoretical perspectives the course will focus on three particular themes:Religious NationalismWhat explains the rise of religious nationalism in South Asia (India, Pakistan and Afghanistan) and militant Islam Middle-East? How do we account for the decline of 'secular' nationalism in developing countries? Religious Identities and Mobilisation Are religious identities easier to politically mobilise than non-religious identities? How can we explain the success of the religious right in the US? Religious Transnationalism Religious identities play a significant role in the politics of transnational groups. How has globalisation impacted on religious transnationalism? The module concludes by reflecting on the wider implications for the study of politics and international relations of organised religious movements today.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Understand critically the role of religion in contemporary global politics;
Demonstrate a competence in the theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to the study of the relationship between politics and religion today;
Able to explain the rise of the religious right and militant religious nationalisms in the developed and developing world;
Evaluate, assess and reflect on the long-term implications for politics and international relations of organised religious movements.
Assessment: The module will be assessed by either a 1 x 4500 word essay (100%) OR a 1250 word essay (25%) and a 1 x 3250 word essay (75%).
Reassessment: As above.
Other
None
Reading List
J. Haynes (ed.): Religion, Globalisation and Political Culture in the Third World (Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1999);
G. Kepel: The Revenge of God: The Resurgence of Islam, Christianity and Judaism in the Modern Worls (Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1994);
A. Nandy: Time Warps: Silent and Evasive Past in Indian Politics and Religion (London: C. Hurst and Co., 2001); The New Cold War? Religious Nationalism Confronts the Secular State (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1994);
N.J.I. Demerath: Crossing the Gods. World Religions and Worldly Politics (Rutgers: Rutgers University Press, 2001);
P. Beyer: Religion and Globalisation (Thousand Oaks, California: Sage, 1994);
S.P. Huntington: The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order (London: Simon Schuster UK, 1997);
J. Haynes: An Introduction to International Relations and Religion (Harlow: Pearson Longman, 2007);
S. Bruce (ed.): Religion and Modernisation: Sociologists and Historians Debate the Modernisation Thesis (Oxford: Clarendon University Press, 1992);
M. Jurgensmeyer: Terror in the Mind of God: The Rise of Religious Violence (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000);
S. Thomas: The Global Transformation of Religion and the Transformation of International Relations: The Struggle for the Soul of the Twenty-First Century (New York/Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005);
