The objective of the course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of different relations between religion and politics in the modern world, and of some methods and theoretical perspectives used in the analysis of these relations.

The course unit can be studied at 200 and 300 level, and it can be included as an independent unit in a Bachelor´s or a Master´s Programme.

When the course requirements have been fulfilled, the student will have achieved the following:

Knowledge

Basic knowledge of various types of relations between religion and politics in modern societies,

acquaintance with some methods and methodological problems and a selection of theoretical perspectives used as scientific and scholarly tools in the analysis of religion and politics,

capability of putting the knowledge about religion and politics in relation to the history of religions in general, and

knowledge about new and earlier research and about important issues relevant for the study of religion and politics, pertaining to the social sciences as well as to the humanities.

Skills

Capability of:

analysing a complex theme and of drawing conclusions on one´s own,

critically examining theories and methods, and

writing a coherent analytical text, thereby demonstrating a capacity for using the norms and techniques of academic writing.

General competence

Practice in handling large quantities of information and literature within a short time period, and of interpreting and presenting information.