“Religion” is driving contemporary political events in multiple, multifaceted, and dynamic ways. This module is designed to help students to make sense of this phenomenon and to begin to understand why, and in what ways, religion influences global politics today. In order to do so, the module will address normative concerns about the proper relationship between religion and states in contemporary political societies; theoretical concerns about how various religious institutions and religion-state arrangements influence and are influenced by political processes; and empirical concerns about how, why and where individuals are religious across the globe, and in what ways their religious ideas and identities might influence their political decisions and behaviors. This will be achieved through two case studies that shape the module’s content, and drive a ‘problem based’ learning framework for the module. Cases will vary but will cover questions of secularity, security, and governance.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Apply theoretical concepts to practical issues.
Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary challenges facing religion and global affairs.
Show an ability to evaluate and assess critically scholarly literature and debates concerning religion and global affairs.
Show an ability to work in groups and communicate effectively complex and sophisticated ideas.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 40% - 1 x written element – 1, 250 words (submitted after reading week). 50% - 1 x written element - 1,750 words (submitted after taught components completed) (the written element could take the form of a policy brief, literature review, essay, blog post or campaign statement). 10% - 1 x group briefing presentation 20 mins (with powerpoint/speakers notes) to be recorded (for after reading week).
The module is designed to be project (case study) lead. The students will work in groups to approach each project through different perspectives. The summative assessment is linked to the case and the approach the group has chosen to take to understanding it.
The learning diary is formative assessment that draws on and reflects the student’s experiences of group learning, their activities in a group as well as the content of their case study. The learning diaries feed into the group presentations, and the individual presentation that is part of the reassessment opportunity.
Reassessment: As above; where an individual is not able to contribute to the group presentation then an individual 10 minute presentation can be done.
