Religion and Politics

How does religion influence politics – and how does politics influence religion? In this course, you will explore how religious beliefs shape social engagement, activism, and views on democracy, the environment, and justice. In the course you will learn how religious groups and individuals have influenced political issues – both historically and in the present day. You will study religious movements that have become politically active in recent decades. You will also explore how issues like democracy, the environment, and equality can be driven by religious conviction. You will work with historical and sociological models to interpret religiously motivated activism. In addition, you will gain tools to understand why religion sometimes leads to social engagement.