Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe
| Module title | Religion, Politics and Policy in Europe |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL3234 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor Isabelle Engeli (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This module will provide you with insights into contemporary issues related to the interaction between religion, politics and policy in Europe in a comparative perspective. We explore whether, why, how and when religion matters in politics and policy making in liberal democracies. We will examine major explanatory approaches related to the impact of secularisation and Europeanisation, church-state relations, social and political veto players, and the dynamics of party competition and populism. We will apply and challenge these approaches to the interaction between institutions and actors in influencing politics and policy through agenda setting, lobbying, advocacy and policy making in liberal democracies.
Drawing on research on morality politics and the governance of religion, we assess and challenge these theoretical foundations through the comparative examination of a range of contemporary issues related to religion, politics and policy - such as sexual/reproductive rights and self-determination (such as abortion, same sex marriage, and prostitution), the expression of religion in the public sphere and the protection of minorities (such as head-covering, place of worship, anti-sexual+ equality) and the boundaries of science (such as reproductive technology, embryo research and euthanasia). Experiential learning is enhanced by sessions dedicated to policy scenarios where students will be able to apply their knowledge to real cases.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aims of this module are to expose you to key concepts and theoretical perspectives in the analysis of religion, politics and policy in liberal democracies; to enhance your understanding of contemporary religious issues in politics and policy in post-industrial societies; to enable you to examine the ways in which religion influences politics and policy; and to develop comparative analytical skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of significant contemporary debates about religion, politics and policy in post-industrialised society
- 2. Critically assess the channels through which religion may be still relevant to understand policy making in the 21th century across a variety of policy sectors
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically analyse a range of theoretical approaches to comparative analysis
- 4. Conduct meaningful comparison to assess policy making
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Present complex arguments effectively in speech and writing
- 6. Engage constructively in complex discussions and debates
- 7. Study independently and manage time and assessment deadlines effectively
- 8. Work in a group to contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives
Syllabus plan
Drawing on research on morality politics and the governance of religion, the module assesses and challenges theoretical foundations through the comparative examination of a range of contemporary issues related to religion, politics and policy.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 256 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activity | 44 | 22 x 2 hour weekly seminars. |
| Guided Independent Study | 64 | Preparation for class and guided reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 48 | Preparation for the presentation including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing the presentation slides; preparing the class discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 48 | Preparation for the position paper including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing up the position paper. Please note the position paper in on a different topic than the presentation topic. |
| Guided Independent Study | 96 | Preparation for the essay including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing up the essay |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay outline | 500 words | 1-7 | Peer-assessed and written feedback by the instructor |
| Position paper outline | 500 words | 1-7 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 0 | 25 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group presentation (in class) | 25 | 25 minutes | 1-8 | Written |
| Position Paper | 25 | 1500 words | 1-7 | Written |
| Essay | 50 | 3500 words | 1-7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Presentation | 6-minute individual presentation recorded | 1-8 | August/September reassessment period |
| Position Paper | Position Paper (1500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
| Essay | Essay (3500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Haynes, J. (ed.) (2016). Routledge Handbook of Religion and Politics. New York: Routledge.
Norris, P. and R. Inglehart (2011). Sacred and Secular: Religion and Politics Worldwide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Bruce, S. (2002). God is dead: secularization in the West. Oxford: Blackwell.
Fox, J. (2015). Political Secularism, Religion, and the State. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Burns, G. (2005). The Moral Veto: Framing Contraception, Abortion, and Cultural Pluralism in the United States. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Engeli, I., C. Green-Pedersen, and L. T. Larsen, eds. (2012). Morality Politics in Western Europe: Parties, Agendas and Policy Choices. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Grzymala-Busse, A. M. (2015). Nations under God: How churches use moral authority to influence policy. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Fetzer, J. and Soper, J.C. (2005). Muslims and the State in Britain, France, and Germany, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=168656/
You can find lots of advice relating to essay writing at:
http://www.services.ex.ac.uk/cas/employability/askills/essay/index.htm
You can also find other useful advice related to general study skills at: http://www.services.ex.ac.uk/edu/student-learning-skills/resources.shtml
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 20/09/2018 |
| Last revision date | 20/09/2018 |
