Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3080: The International Politics of Religion

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The module will introduce you to the complex role of religion in international relations. In the first part of the module you will explore how the social sciences in general and the discipline of international relations in particular have conceptualized and theorized religion and its resurgence in world politics. In the second part you will examine how religion interacts with key international challenges and issues such nationalism, the state, transnational politics and identities, violence, peace and democracy. In the third part you will investigate and assess the emerging trend towards ‘operationalizing’ religion in international policymaking.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate a critical perspective on a variety of theoretical approaches and debates on the study of religion in the social sciences;
2. Evaluate the multiple and complex ways in which religion and international politics influence each other in historical and contemporary contexts;
3. Assess the social, political, policy and normative tensions raised by the growing trend towards the operationalization of religion in foreign and international policy;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Understand a variety of theoretical arguments in the field of religion in international relations;
5. Analyse empirical research and cases on religion in world politics;
Personal and Key Skills6. Engage in respectful and critical dialogue within a group setting;
7. Conduct research independently and as part of a team, and present ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and oral form; and
8. Exercise critical judgment when analysing complex conceptual, empirical, policy and normative issues.