Religion and Conflict: Peacebuilding for Sustainability, 15 Credits

Contents

This course will examine the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding using the Israel/ Palestine conflict and the political-religious geography of Jerusalem as a case study (conducted in the field). It will cover both the history and theory of interreligious relations as well as the history and contemporary issues of the Israel/Palestine conflict. When possible, this course will be offered in the field, with a corresponding focus on field-based research skills; where this is not possible, the course will be taught online with an equivalent focus on digital ethnography. 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the role of religion in conflict and peacebuilding 
• Identify and problematize discursive constructions of religion vis-à-vis other pertinent forms of social organization 
• Demonstrate sound theoretical understanding of peacebuilding strategies including interreligious dialogue 

Skills and Abilities

• Plan and conduct research in a manner that is both safe and practical for a research goal 
• Incorporate data into academic reflection 

Judgement and Approach  

• Incorporate theoretical and historical knowledge into critical analysis of contemporary conflict situations 
• Independently and critically assess current research on religious conflict and peacebuilding 

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS courses in one subject within the humanities or social sciences, including a degree project (15 ECTS), or the equivalent.  
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/B 

Form of instruction

The first part of the course will be taught as an online self-study culminating in a written take-home exam to ascertain field readiness. Subsequently, the course will be taught in person at the field site; teaching will consist of lectures, seminars, guest lectures, guided field observation, independent field observation, and self-study. As the majority of this course, when possible, takes place at the field site students must be able to travel to attend the site for two weeks, usually in early May. Please consult the department for exact dates. If a fieldtrip is not possible, the course will be taught online with an equivalent focus on digital ethnography. 

Students are required to have access to a computer equipped with microphone and web-camera as well as a stable internet connection in order to facilitate on-line seminar attendance. 

Examination modes

The examination for this course consists of a written exam (3hp), a practical exam (2hp), a research journal (5hp) and a final paper (5hp). For a VG in the course, all modules must be passed and the final paper graded as a VG.  

Students who have passed may not undergo further examination for higher grades. For those students who have not been approved at the regular examination opportunity, a re-examination is arranged within two months after the ordinary examination opportunity, and another within one year, so-called collection examination.  

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student.  

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.  

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department for Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University.