RELI2040
Church and State in the West
10 Units
Not available in 2012
Previously offered in 2013
What is the relationship between church and state in the western democratic traditions? How has this impacted the political place and understanding of other religious traditions? Over the past two millennia diverse Christian traditions have had a tremendous impact upon western notions of the self, belief, and the State. This course traces this development in order to better understand the socio-political location of religion within western democratic societies. Topics may include: the relation between early Christian churches and Roman imperialism (e.g. Nero, Constantine); Eastern Orthodox encounters with Islam; early modern political theories of the State (e.g. Hobbes, Rousseau); and contemporary (de)secularization theories.
ObjectivesUpon completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate: 1. An understanding of the changing relationship between diverse notions of the church and state in the western tradition 2. Skills necessary to critically analyze the theological nature of key concepts of the self, belief and the State, and their influence upon the development of western political cultures 3. Demonstrate research, writing and information literacy skills relevant to the study of philosophy, religion and theology. | |
ContentThe course will investigate the relationship between church and state in the western tradition. | |
Replacing Course(s)RELI2009 Western Thought | |
Transitionna | |
Industrial Experience0 | |
Assumed Knowledgenil | |
Modes of DeliveryDistance Learning : IT Based Internal Mode | |
Teaching MethodsLecture Self Directed Learning | |
Assessment Items
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Contact HoursLecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term |