In addition to growing our knowledge of the diverse ways that democracies may structure opportunities for dialogue across religious difference, the course will also provide opportunities to build skills for personal dialogue across different faith traditions and belief systems. Assignments will include a culminating research paper or presentation on religious diversity and democracy in the country of the student’s choosing. All students are welcome. No previous knowledge or coursework required.
Other Courses of Interest
Feminist Political Theory
Instructor(s)
- Katerina Traut
Semester
Spring 2025
In what ways has Western Political Theory constructed, excluded, and denigrated gendered and sexualized political subjects? In what ways have these subjects resisted these politics, and organized for their freedom and sovereignty? This course will explore feminist political theories of the body, reproduction, and empire through a variety of theoretical styles and methodological approaches.
Restorative Justice in the City: History Theory and Practice
Instructor(s)
- Pablo Miguel Cerdera
Semester
Spring 2025
Restorative Justice (RJ) is a new term to describe ancient ways of dealing with harm and being in community which centers our relationships and obligations to one another, as opposed to punishment and retribution. Increasingly popular as a response to a plethora of urban issues, from mass incarceration to gun violence to education inequality, RJ is also sometimes misunderstood or applied without fidelity.
This course explores the theory, history, and practice of RJ in the urban environment. The course intersperses practical communication and facilitation skills, visits from local practitioners and advocates, and in-depth discussion of texts and media. Through readings, discussions, activities, and projects we will develop a solid theoretical basis from which to understand RJ and its implementation, including a focus on holistic engagement with self, other, and community.