Special Topics in Political Science (490-0-20)

Topic

Religion and Politics: Global Perspectives

Instructors

Elizabeth S Hurd
Scott, #209

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 319 ExperimentalLab: Thurs 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course offers students tools for thinking in a critical and comparative way about the intersections of religion, law, and politics from a global perspective. Much ink has been spilt considering and reconsidering definitions of religion, secularism, and politics, and how these concepts work to shape each other and the worlds we inhabit. This course asks, what comes next in the study of religion in politics? What does it look like to not only globalize this question by asking about a wider diversity of contexts and histories beyond Europe and its settler colonies but also to interrogate, and even move beyond, vocabularies that have framed and limited discussions of these questions for decades? This transdisciplinary seminar is an experiment in thinking the question of religion and politics in modernity anew. Themes to be considered include sovereignty, governance, coloniality, borders, Indigeneity, human movement, race, and law. Graduate students in politics, history, anthropology, political theory, religious studies, performance studies, theater, rhetoric and public culture, and affiliate disciplines are welcome.

Learning Objectives

This course gives students tools for thinking in a critical and comparative way about the intersections of religion, law, and politics from a global perspective.

Teaching Method

Seminar
Class participation
Writing assignments
Presentations
Discussion

Evaluation Method

Paper, final
Presentations
Attendance
Class participation
Readings
Writing assignments

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.