Religion, Peace, and Violence: Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Secular Politics
RELI 211
Spring 2020 not offered
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Why did Martin Luther King Jr. believe that Christianity could cure American racism, while Malcolm X thought the religion promoted it? If Islam is a religion of peace as advocated by many Muslims, how do we understand the so-called Islamic State's reign of terror? How has Hindu nationalism led to violence against Muslims and Christians if Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated the essential tolerance of Hindu traditions? Secularists often claim that removing religion from politics creates a more peaceful society, yet the most violent states in the past century have been professedly secular ones.
This seminar looks to explore the complexities of present-day religions and politics by investigating specific case studies in Egypt, India, France, and the U.S. While developing a better understanding of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and secular traditions (no background in these necessary), we will develop analytic tools to critically comprehend the political dynamics of modern religions and the religious dynamics of contemporary politics. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Abdel Bari Atwan, ISLAMIC STATE: THE DIGITAL CALIPHATE
Robert Jewett & John Shelton Lawrence, CAPTAIN AMERICA AND THE CRUSADE AGAINST EVIL: THE DILEMMA OF ZEALOUS NATIONALISM
MOHANDAS GANDHI, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
James H. Cone, Martin & Malcolm, AMERICA: A DREAM OR A NIGHTMARE
Mayanthi L. Fernando, THE REPUBLIC UNSETTLED: MUSLIM FRENCH AND THE CONTRADICTIONS OF SECULARISM
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three short papers (3 pages each) and one research paper (10-12 pages) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course satisfied the "Thematic Approach" requirement for the Religion major. |
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