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.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students at 4th level will have achieved:
- an intricate knowledge of the international history of interfaith relations
- 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
- an understanding of the role of religion in peacebuilding and conflict resolution
- a detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of interreligious engagement
- an understanding of the nexus between interfaith relations and security following the events of September 11, 2001
- an understanding of the various manifestations of interreligious engagement including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu perspectives
- an understanding of interreligious engagement in the Australian context, with particular emphasis on co-operation between religious and state actors including police
- an understanding of interreligious environmental activism
- a sophisticated level of oral skills
- improved writing skills by producing two research essays
- developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students at Masters level will have achieved:
- an intricate knowledge of the international history of interfaith relations
- 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
- an understanding of the role of religion in peacebuilding and conflict resolution
- a detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of interreligious engagement;
- an understanding of the nexus between interfaith relations and security following the events of September 11, 2001
- an understanding of the various manifestations of interreligious engagement including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu perspectives
- an understanding of interreligious engagement in the Australian context, with particular emphasis on co-operation between religious and state actors including police
- an understanding of interreligious environmental activism
- highly sophisticated level of oral skills
- highly developed writing skills by producing two research essays
- highly developed research skills and theoretical background and ability.
Short essay (3000 words): 30%
Major essay (5000 words): 50%
Field trip: 10%
Class participation: 10%
One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour seminar per week, and one 1-day (7 hours) field trip.