Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will examine the role of interfaith relations in promoting social harmony and common security in the 21st century. It will include a historical overview of interfaith relations; religion and globalization; interfaith peacebuilding; methods for interfaith engagement; the nexus between interfaith relations and security since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001; approaches to interfaith relations from the major religious traditions; a case study of interfaith relations in Australia; gender and youth issues in interfaith; interfaith environmental activism.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, students at 4th level will have achieved:

1. an intricate knowledge of the international history of interfaith relations
2. an understanding of the significance of religion in late modernity, with particular emphasis on the rise of religious social movements and the role of religion in conflict, violence and terrorism
3. an understanding of the role of religion in peacebuilding and conflict resolution
4. a detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of interreligious engagement
5. an understanding of the nexus between interfaith relations & security following the events of September 11, 2001
6. an understanding of the various manifestations of interreligious engagement including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu perspectives
7. an understanding of interreligious engagement in the Australian context, with particular emphasis on co-operation between religious and state actors including police
8. an understanding of interreligious environmental activism
9. a sophisticated level of oral skills
10. improved writing skills by producing two research essays
11. developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.

1. an intricate knowledge of the international history of interfaith relations
2. an understanding of the significance of religion in late modernity, with particular emphasis on the rise of religious social movements and the role of religion in conflict, violence and terrorism
3. an understanding of the role of religion in peacebuilding and conflict resolution
4. a detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of interreligious engagement;
5. an understanding of the nexus between interfaith relations & security following the events of September 11, 2001
6. an understanding of the various manifestations of interreligious engagement including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu perspectives
7. an understanding of interreligious engagement in the Australian context, with particular emphasis on co-operation between religious and state actors including police
8. an understanding of interreligious environmental activism
9. highly sophisticated level of oral skills
10. highly developed writing skills by producing two research essays
11. highly developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.

Assessment

Short essay (3000 words): 30%
Major essay (5000 words): 50%
Field trip: 10%
Class participation: 10%.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Greg Barton

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week, and one 1-day (7 hours) field trip.