Terrorism, Violence and Religion, basic course, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies
and
English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to
- in a structured manner discuss violent extremist groups, how their views on violence vary, and how they challenge democratic societies,
- problematize central terms in the course such as radicalization and extremism and how the concept of religion is used to single out certain violence as religious in contrast to secular violence,
- identify, formulate and solve a scientific problem about violent extremism, and
- reflect on one's own responsibility for how knowledge about violent extremism is used in today's society.

Course content

This course is an introduction to violent extremism within established religious and political traditions as well as within contemporary new age. It problematizes terms such as radicalization and extremism and how the concept of religion is used to single out certain violence as religious in contrast to secular violence. The course addresses a number of concrete examples and discusses how different groups legitimize violence as a means of social change in the light of theories about the emergence of violent extremism. The course also discusses how violent extremism challenges democratic institutions and raises questions about religious freedom.

Teaching and working methods

This course is based on lectures and seminars. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to these forms of teaching.

Examination

The examination consists of written assigments and active participation in seminars. More information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department