Brief Introduction
Understand and analyse the role of religion in conflicts and peacebuilding in present-day societies, with this free online course.
Course Summary
This course explores the relationship between religion and conflict, including the causes of religious conflict, the role of religion in peacebuilding, and the impact of conflict on religious communities.
Key Learning Points
- Gain a better understanding of the complexities of religious conflict and peacebuilding
- Explore case studies of religious conflict and peacebuilding efforts
- Learn about the role of religion in shaping societies and cultures
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse the causes of religious conflict
- Evaluate the role of religion in peacebuilding
- Understand the impact of conflict on religious communities
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No formal prerequisites
- Interest in the relationship between religion and conflict
Course Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Course Format
- Online, self-paced
- Video lectures
- Forums for discussion and reflection
Similar Courses
- Religion, Conflict and Peace
- Religion and Conflict Resolution
- Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Contexts
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Author and Scholar of Comparative Religion
- Peacebuilding Scholar and Practitioner
- Activist and Filmmaker
Related Books
Requirements
- This course is designed for undergraduate learners who are interested in analysing the relationship between religion and conflict from a social scientific perspective. Although anyone with an interest in the subject can join.
Outline
- Definitions and history
Welcome
What is religion?
What is (violent) conflict?
Impact of secularisation thesis
Conclusion Week 1
The link between religion and conflict
Introduction to Week 2
Popular and scholarly understandings of the link
Dimensions and limits of the link
Conclusion Week 2
Bigger role for religion in conflict
Introduction to Week 3
Failure of nation states
End of the Cold War
Failure of grand secular narratives
Globalisation I
Globalisation II
Role of collective memory in conflict
Conclusion Week 3
Case studies
Introduction to Week 4
Legal conflict case study
Violent conflict case study
Conclusion Week 4
Looking forward: peacebuilding
Introduction to Week 5
Role of religion in peacebuilding
Role of collective memory
Case study: Bosnia
Case study: South Africa
Conclusion Week 5
Give it your best
Introduction to Week 6
Blog post
Briefing paper
Conclusion Week 6 and general conclusion
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the impact of religion on conflict and peacebuilding in this insightful course. Users have generally found the course to be engaging and informative, with many praising the experts who lead the lectures. One key aspect that stands out is the course's ability to provide a nuanced understanding of the relationship between religion and conflict.
Pros from User Reviews
- Engaging and informative lectures
- Insightful discussions on the role of religion in conflict
- Expert instructors who are knowledgeable and engaging
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the course material to be too dense
- Limited opportunities for interaction with other learners
- The course may not be comprehensive enough for those with a deep knowledge of the subject