Interreligious Dialogue: Peacebuilding for Sustainability, 7.5 credits

Contents

This course will examine the history, theory, and practice of interreligious dialogue with particular attention to the role of dialogue in conflict and peacebuilding. It will cover the history and theory of interreligious relations, different models of dialogue, and practical examples of interreligious dialogue used for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community cohesion.

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 **

• Reflect critically on their own positioning in relation to the field of study

• Critically and compassionately balance between insider claims and empirical data in developing an account of a dialogue program

Judgement and Approach

• Incorporate theoretical and historical knowledge into critical analysis of interreligious dialogue projects
• 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/ level 2

Form of instruction

The course will be taught online, with teaching consisting of lectures, self-guided study, and both synchronous and asynchronous discussion.

Examination modes

The examination for this course consists of an oral exam (1.5 hp) and coursework (6 hp). For VG in the course, all modules must be passed and the written assignment graded as 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.