Religion and Politics, Introductory 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 completed the course the student should be able to:
- discuss modern religio-political history and debate in the political life of the USA, such as civil religion aspects,
- show knowledge of modern U.S. religio-political rhetoric in various political areas,
- to identify, analyze and problematize the religio-political phenomenon in the USA,
- to academically communicate, in writing as well as and orally, results of an independent research-study in the field of religion and politics.

Course content

The course is focused on the religio-political phenomenon in the USA, but includes a possibility to write a final paper on the subject of religion and politics in another area or field.

Teaching and working methods

Students’ workload consists mainly of individual literature studies. The teaching is seminar based. Students are expected to be well prepared before each seminar and also to participate in the seminar discussions in a constructive way. Students are expected to write minor papers as preparations to the seminars and a major final paper. Students will present their final papers at the final seminar. In normal cases students are also required to serve as opponents to a fellow student’s paper.

Examination

Papers written by the students will be the basis for the examination, together with their active participation in the seminar discussions in a constructive way.

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.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department