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FutureLearn

Religion and Conflict

University of Groningen via FutureLearn

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Overview

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Many conflicts in the world today are framed in terms of religion, but there is much discussion and confusion concerning the precise role religion plays in these conflicts. According to some, conflict and violence are inherent to religion. Others claim that religion is only the guise under which social, economic or political conflicts are fought out. The first step to solving religiously framed conflicts is understanding the role of religion in them, and that is what this free online course is about.

Our point of departure is that religion means different things in different circumstances and to different (groups of) people. Therefore, the aim of this course is to show how a religiously framed conflict can be studied in the wider cultural and political contexts of these conflicts. In the course material, we will refer to various religious, cultural and political settings. In addition, we invite you to engage in some modest research activities in your own environment and compare your own findings with those of fellow students.

In the first two weeks, we will discuss how the concepts of religion, conflict and violence have been understood historically and cross-culturally, and address the question of how they are linked. This will enable you to move beyond thinking about religion as either an unavoidable cause for conflicts or merely an excuse to mask more mundane conflicts of interest.

The third week focuses on the question of why religious conflicts have appeared to increase in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. During the fourth week, we will analyze case studies like conflicts over abortion policies in the United States and the rise of IS in the Middle East. In week five, we will shift our attention to the role of religion in peace building and reconciliation.

The course concludes with an assignment in which you will apply your newly acquired analytical tools to write a briefing paper on the role of religion in a specific conflict situation of your own choice.

After completing this course, you will have acquired the knowledge and analytical skills to develop critical insights into one of the most urgent issues of today’s world: the various roles of religion in conflicts.

This course is designed for undergraduate learners who are interested in analysing the relationship between religion and conflict from a social scientific perspective. Although anyone with an interest in the subject can join.

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 23 Class Central reviews

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  • Anonymous
    As a non academic I was curious as to why religion featured so much in contemporary and historical conflicts. This short course is packed with information for the newcomer to the subject and is very well put together and presented. Challenging at times ... but then it should be.
  • I really enjoyed this course! It was challenging and inspiring. I learned so much and I plan on applying what I have learned, then teaching it others.
  • Anonymous
    I have taken about five MOOCs so far, and this one is by far the most in-depth and educational online course I have experienced. The level of study and critical thinking required parallels an in-class, on-campus university course. However, that should not deter anyone from taking this course! It will challenge you and reward you with the knowledge to have informed discussions with peers about the role of religion in current affairs and throughout history. I highly encourage anyone interested to take this course!
  • Anonymous
    This a great course, well documented and well presented with excellent interaction from the leaders. The course overview says that it takes 4 hours /week. Well, no it doesn't. Just reading and following up on each session typically takes several hours (if you get into it). The participants tend to demand that arguments put forward are well considered. And, expect to take more than the allotted tie required. This is a challenging, insightful and worthwhile course.
  • Anonymous
    The course was well structured. It had clear learning objectives. The faculty were all experienced and skilled with both academic and real world experience. Case studies of specific conflict and peace building offered a way to translate ideas into practice. It was refreshingly not a bare bones glorified high school course as are any number of other MOOCs. Finally, much is to gained from the course even if no assignments, of which there are any number, are completed.
  • Anonymous
    I have completed several courses from FutureLearn, and this was by far the most challenging. The first two weeks introduced some difficult concepts, and the academic language was a struggle, but it became easier once case studies were introduced. The weekly suggestion of four hours was very optimistic. I spent a lot longer than this on it. In a world of multiple choice answers and Twitter it was good to have to tackle a long assignment at the end.
  • Anonymous
    Well though out course which included a lot of theoretical information (both religious and conflict based) that was then applied to the real world. Was well balanced and made you think!

    Moderators were active and helpful.
  • Profile image for Alessandra Coury
    Alessandra Coury
    I have nearly finished the first week of the course and for now I must say that I am very happy to have taken this MOOC ! Videos are very easy to undestand (there are even subtitles for people with difficulties in English), the speakers know their s…
  • Anonymous
    I thought this was pretty solid course and you get out of it what you put into it.

    I made as much of an effort as time allowed and feel that I have learned a lot and gained new skills which I will definitely be using.

    I have already recommended the course to several people and will continue doing so as I think that 'Futurelearn' is a tremendous resource and this course is a gift to anyone who really wants to learn how to understand conflict and the place of religion in it.

    Will consider other options for further learning. Many thanks!
  • I thank the future learn team via University of Groningen for this course, it is an eyes opening course that broadens your knowledge and understanding about religion and it's diversity, and conflict in general view, knowledge, and understanding, very interesting, and fantastic indeed. My thanks to the lead educators, and the moderators, that made it a reality. I've received the digital certificate, am yet to receive the printed certificate, am highly in need of it please. God bless you all.
  • Omar Shahzad
    A fantastic course, I think Dr Erin and her team are doing a great job in building bridges and creating peace in the World. I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity to stumble upon this course and would like there to be a greater awareness of the general public about this course and would like it to be taught at our Educational Institutions from a young age to in order that they may also gain a better understanding of conflict and religion in order to bring about long lasting peace.
  • Anonymous
    This is an excellent course - well structured, with interesting course materials which are varied and challenging. The tutors are outstanding, giving informative lectures which were pitched exactly at the right level. As someone with a Bachelors degree in Humanities with a Religious Studies focus, I found it was aimed precisely to my needs and has, once again, stimulated my interest to continue my studies. Congratulations, University of Groningen!
  • Profile image for Ami 786
    Ami 786
    This course gave me a whole new perspective to look toward religion.. Never thought that religion had so many dimensions.in this course they talk from early history to modern day issue on religion and conflict.it helped me boarden my thinking and is presented in a very simple and easy manner which would be helpful for any fellow begginer like me thank you future learn I love this app and also am taking few other courses from here
  • JAIME HERRERA FARIA
    The course mentioned here, RELIGION and CONFLICTS, is an excellent course. Why do I say that? Because the programme in itself is well planned and the lecturers are excellent. I have done hundreds of online courses but this one is my best one. Oh, how I wish I could attend that university! [contact details detracted]
  • Anonymous
    The six-week course is very challenging with lots of information and documents to master for a novice student in the religious field. Yet it is very fruitful for when you complete the course, you feel your knowledge is indeed enlarged.
  • Anonymous
    Very interesting thanks and keep the good work.
    I learned a lot of terrible things humans can do when participating of a common belief in something that´s irrational, absolute and divisive.
    Hope we can change...
  • Anonymous
    A well structured and informative course with interesting case studies and interviews. I really enjoyed the process of writing briefing paper and reading other learners comments.
  • Anonymous
    Good course with thought provoking input from students but sadly nothing from the course leaders during the course. I would however recommend it.
  • Anonymous
    It's very interesting and challenging! If fusion of religion, politics, and history is your forte, then you better take this course.
  • Anonymous
    This is a great course with very rich material - theoretic, historical and contemporary - and lively exchanges with fellow students!

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