SLL30110 Politics, Culture and Religion

Academic Year 2017/2018

This module analyses the factors that shape our most deeply held beliefs about the world. Specifically, it examines how culture influences, and is influenced by, political values, behaviour and institutions. It will be of interest to students of Politics and other Social Sciences, Modern Languages, History, and Theology; or anyone interested in the interaction of politics, culture and religion in the light of Trump, Brexit, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The module will explore questions such as: Are Islam and democracy compatible? Are nation-states with different cultures and religions destined to clash? Is the idea of human rights universal or particular to the West? Is Europe united or fragmented in its political values? Are different societies becoming culturally and politically homogenised by globalisation, or are they being pulled apart by populism? How useful is 'culture' for explaining aspects of political life, and what alternative explanations are there? The module will draw on the work of theorists such as Samuel Huntington, Francis Fukuyama, and Pippa Norris, as well as empirical data such as the World Values Survey.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

- Come to a nuanced understanding of the ways in which culture interacts with political values, behaviour and institutions.
- Draw on empirical data to assess the usefulness of culture as an explanatory tool in the study of political life relative to other explanations.
- Critically assess various theories of the interaction between culture and politics (including the 'Clash of Civilizations' hypothesis) and their utility in explainaing current political events.
- Present arguments with clarity and confidence in written and spoken form.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Autonomous Student Learning

76
Total

100
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Essay: 2500 words max (in English)

50

 Coursework (End of Trimester)
Continuous Assessment: Presentation of week's reading and response to others' presentations

20

 Throughout the Trimester
Continuous Assessment: Class participation

20

 Throughout the Trimester
Attendance: Attendance

10

 Throughout the Trimester

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

In-semester assessment

Remediation

If you fail this module you may repeat, resit or substitute where possible. The resit will take the form of an essay (2500 words max) to be submitted by week 12 of the following semester, as well as an oral exam based on the module readings.