Policy pundits and academics alike have been gripped since 9/11 with la revanche de Dieu, what international theorist Scott Thomas calls “the global resurgence of religion.” Far from the disappearance of religion in global politics, we are witnessing the often simultaneous growth of both religious and secular politics. This course is a comparative study of contemporary instances of that competition, including examples from the USA, Brazil, Hungary, Nigeria, the Magreb, China and more. Particular attention is paid to what we can learn from comparing these cases, whether in competing forms of populism, nationalism or various forms of religious and secular politics.
Prerequisites:
Gods and Thrones: The World to 1914 (HIS‑106);
Introduction to Politics and International Studies (POL‑121);
Introduction to International Relations (POL‑208)
Gods and Thrones: The World to 1914
HIS‑106
This course will focus on the rise, development and interaction of the major civilizations of the Americas, Africa and Asia from the Neolithic era to modern times, and their experience of the rise of European colonialism and increasing global contact through to the beginning of the 20th century. Themes covered include global trade patterns, the diffusion of world religions, the emergence of empires, the power
of culture and globalization.
Introduction to Politics and International Studies
POL‑121
An introduction to the study of politics, including forms of government, the building blocks of politics and the various visions that people bring to political life.
Introduction to International Relations
POL‑208
A study of contemporary relations among states, including an analysis of basic concepts and issues such as power, sovereignty, nationalism, security, diplomacy, war and peace, international law and organization, transnationalism and independence. Attention is also given to different approaches to the study of international relations.