ATS3194 - Sacred cities: Between co-existence and persecution - 2017

This two-week intensive study abroad unit looks at both co-existence and persecution within a particular city or cities through which this process can be observed, whether famous for their sacred places (Rome, Jerusalem, Istanbul), or important as places of interaction and persecution(like Cordoba, Toledo and Barcelona). In particular it explores the extent to which religion and politics have intersected to create a particular vision of society at different points of time, with attention to the way these cities have responded to the challenge of religious diversity, both in the past and in the present. The unit thus introduces Judaism, Christianity and Islam through the lived experiences of specific cities with traditions of religious diversity.

Upon successful completion of the unit students will be able to:

1. understand the role of religious traditions across a variety of cross-cultural social and political contexts;
2. appreciate the impact of the three Abrahamic faiths on the life of selected cities;
3. appreciate how religious ethics interact with urban landscapes and contemporary political cultures;
4. think critically about sacred texts and how they impact on world history;
5. develop research skills that explore both the particularity and interaction of religious cultures;
6. explore the academic discipline of inter-religious studies and how it can be deployed as a tool of conflict resolution and intercultural understanding.

Two-week intensive study abroad unit, based in Prato, involves travel to selected cites (may include Jerusalem, Rome, Istanbul, Barcelona, Toledo and Cordoba.)

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Additional requirements:

This unit is taught intensively at Prato

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Nathan Wolski

Jewish studies

Religious studies