Course summary
Since the 1990s, religious issues have assumed a growing importance in national and international political affairs. This was dramatically highlighted by the September 11, 2001 attacks and the events that have followed since. This situation has obliged scholars of politics to take religion seriously while scholars of religion have to address theological topics that intersect with political issues. Whether it is a ‘theological’ topic within political sciences or a ‘political’ topic within theology and the study of religion, both disciplines are being challenged: theologians often lack an adequate grounding in political science, and scholars of political science have not received formal training in religious studies. The main goal of the masters is to provide students an advanced level understanding of the conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics at a time when religion plays more than ever a major role in the politics of nation-states and the development of the international system. The programme addresses major themes around the role of religion in politics and international relations in the contemporary world and allows students to research the role of religion in society and politics. It explores the theoretical and methodological approaches to the subject by focusing on the relationship between organised religions and the nation-state, as well as the global processes that promote religious conflict and conflict resolution. It also examines the public roles of religious communities and individuals and how political topics of secularism, tolerance, governance, intersect with religious groups and tradition. This masters offers a unique bi-disciplinary approach that has been developed by internationally recognized scholars in the field of religion and politics such as Jocelyne Cesari. Tapping into the interdisciplinary expertise of the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, it operates with a groundbreaking method which mobilizes the scholarship of social sciences and religious studies to offer analysis on major issues such as: political violence, security, democracy, Human Rights and religious freedom. This degree is ideal for building the theoretical and methodological skills of students of religion interested in interdisciplinary doctoral programs. It is also tailored to current and aspiring policymakers and analysts in international, national and regional governmental and non- governmental organizations engaged in management of conflict, diversity, inter-religious relations and community development.
Modules
MA and Diploma students will study two core modules and four optional modules before completing their dissertation. Certificate students will study two core modules and one optional module. Core modules All students will study two core modules which include: Religion in Contemporary Global Politics This module focuses on theoretical and conceptual debates about the role of religion in contemporary global politics. Traditionally, the study of political science and international relations has framed the understanding of religion within the context of secularisation and the nation-state. This interpretation is being increasingly contested by the impact of globalisation and the rise of anti-secular movements. The module will critically examine the secularisation thesis as applied to the ‘West’ (developed countries) and the ‘East’ (developing countries) and evaluate the impact of globalisation on collective religious identities. Following an introduction to the theoretical perspectives the course will focus on three particular themes: religious nationalism; religious identities and mobilisation; and religious transnationalism. The module concludes by reflecting on the wider implications for the study of politics and international relations of organised religious movements today. Assessment: 4,000-word essay Research Methods in Theology and the Study of Religion This module unpacks the core issues of researching in theology and religious studies.It addresses debates surrounding the design, conduct, ethics and evaluation of research in a multidisciplinary subject area. It prepares you to carry out independent research and to critically assess others’ research across a wide spectrum of approaches. Assessment: 4,000-word essay Optional modules Certificate students will choose one optional module, while MA and Diploma students will choose four optional modules. Options typically available within Theology and Religion are listed on our postgraduate modules page. You can also choose up to two of your options from modules available in other Departments. Modules available typically include: History Globalisation Since 1945 The Making of the World: Themes in Global History Philosophy Bioethics Ethics and Global Ethics Human Rights Topics in Global Justice Department of Political Science and International Studies Optional modules are also available from those offered by the Department of Political Science and International Studies
Assessment method
Dissertation.
Entry requirements
You will need an Honours degree, normally of an upper second class standard.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT