Brief Introduction
Explore the diverse and complex roles that religions play in both promoting and mitigating violence.Course Summary
This course explores the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding, examining how religious identities, beliefs, and practices shape both violent conflict and peaceful resolution. Students will learn about case studies from around the world and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of religion in conflict and peace.Key Learning Points
- Understand the role of religion in violent conflict and peacebuilding
- Analyze case studies from around the world to gain a deeper understanding
- Examine the complexities of religious identities, beliefs, and practices in conflict and peace
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a nuanced understanding of the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding
- Analyze and evaluate case studies from around the world
- Gain practical skills for working in conflict resolution and peacebuilding
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of world religions
- Willingness to engage with difficult and complex topics
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Lecture-based
Similar Courses
- Religion and Conflict Transformation
- Religion, Conflict and Peace
Related Education Paths
- Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Certificate in Interfaith Studies
- Master of Divinity with a concentration in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation
Notable People in This Field
- John Paul Lederach
- Karen Armstrong
Related Books
Description
Course description
In this course, we will explore a series of contemporary conflicts in different regions of the world with a special focus on identifying and analyzing the diverse and complex roles that religions play in both promoting and mitigating violence in each context. Students will learn a method for recognizing and analyzing how religious ideologies are embedded in all arenas of human agency and not isolated from political, economic, and cultural life as is often assumed.
In addition to examining the conflicts themselves, we will also explore the religious dimensions of the impacts those conflicts have on civic life in areas such as public health, education, and commerce by addressing a series of questions.
What roles do religions play in fostering violence and what roles do they play in promoting peace? How do religious institutions and ideologies function to support and/or thwart public health initiatives? What are the ideological justifications for functional economic policies and how do they reflect and/or challenge diverse religious values? What roles do religions play in advancing or suppressing educational opportunities and for whom? Are media representations of the religious dimensions of conflict accurate?
Possible countries of focus include Brazil, Egypt, France, Israel/Palestine, Myanmar, Nigeria, Qatar, the Philippines, Somalia, Syria, Turkey, and the United States. Final projects will be individually shaped based on interest and (where relevant) professional focus.
The course is open to all and especially relevant for aspiring or professional educators, journalists, public health workers, foreign service officers and government officials who wish to better understand how religions function in contemporary world affairs.
This course follows the popular World Religions Through Their Scriptures series, which explores the foundations of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
Knowledge
- What you'll learn
- Tools for how to interpret the roles religions play in contemporary conflicts
- How religions are internally diverse
- How religions evolve and change
- How religions are embedded in all human cultures
Summary of User Reviews
Read reviews for Harvard's online course on Religion, Conflict, and Peace. Students found the course to be informative and engaging, with many citing the thought-provoking content as a highlight. However, some users noted that the course could benefit from more interactive elements and better organization.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Many students found the content to be thought-provoking and engaging.Pros from User Reviews
- Informative content
- Engaging lectures
- Thought-provoking material
- Expert instructors
- Flexible schedule
Cons from User Reviews
- Limited interaction with instructors
- Lack of interactive elements
- Poor organization
- Some technical issues
- High workload
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