As a learning outcome the module aims to develop conceptual and practical skills needed to redefine the principles of secularity and religiosity to promote justice, peace and the integrity of the cosmos.

The module will critically analyse the correlation between religion, conflict and peace through the use of different theoretical positions proposed by leading scholars in the field. In other words popular and general notions that equate religion either with violence or with peace will be critically studied.  In this analysis, the students will be guided through an interdisciplinary intersection that connects history, political science, sociology, theologies (Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Jewish) and philosophies (Buddhist and Hindu). Attention will be paid to the politics of interpretation of imagined communities (ethno-religious and ethno-religious-national) that either contributes to conflict formation and dynamics or to conflict resolution and peace building.  Political/Ideological structures and meaning (theistic and non-theistic) structures of particular religious traditions and their relationship with issues of conflict and peace will be explored through textual and historical analysis. Several case studies representing diverse regions of the world will be discussed in detail. Finally, the meanings of different notions of secularity and religiosity will be examined as an attempt to construct an ethic of co-existence in a pluralist world.   

In addition to a full a bibliography and a course outline PowerPoint presentations, documentary films and cinematic depictions of the themes will be introduced to reduce the dryness of written texts.

Dr Jude Lal Fernando

Assistant Professor in Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies and a Lecturer in International Peace Studies, Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin

Place: Tapri seminar room 126, Atalpa building

Lectures:

Wed 15.1. 14-16
Thu 16.1. 10-12
Mon 20.1. 12-14
Thu 23.1. 10-12
Mon 27.1 12-14

Compensates 2 ECTS FOR PEACE005 module in the PEACE-programme.