CoursesReligious Diversity and Democracy in Europe
PSCI 4992-301

Religious Diversity and Democracy in Europe

Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:45 pm-3:14 pm
In this course we will examine different approaches to handling religious diversity in European democratic states. Course readings and assignments include historical and contemporary case studies that examine how different religious and state institutions developed over time, how they shape the contemporary relationship between religious groups and the state, and how these arrangements influence, and are influenced by, interactions among religious groups and institutions in society.
Instructor(s)
  • Leah Seppanen Anderson
Semester

Spring 2024

Register

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.

Related Content

Other Courses of Interest

LAWM 538

Engineering Law and the State (New)

Instructor(s)

  • Justin (Gus) Hurwitz

Semester

Spring 2026

This course explores the relationship between engineering, law, and the state to develop an understanding, on the one hand, of the mechanisms by which technology affects political processes and, on the other hand, how political processes regulate technological designs. It does so by using engineering principles as a lens to introduce and discuss foundational concepts from political philosophy, jurisprudence (legal theory), positive political theory, and economics. The course has the express goal of bringing engineering fields into dialogue with the humanities and social sciences and facilitating dialogue between those disciplines.

 

Learn More
EDUC 5437

Interfaith Dialogue in Action

Instructor(s)

  • Steve Kocher

Semester

Spring 2026

Faith, belief, spirituality and religious identity are central to the lives of so many people, and so building understanding about these aspects of life – encompassing the development of our personal convictions as well as our connections to (or challenges with) institutional religion and spiritual community – is essential to understanding our world.  But conversations on these topics can be complicated, confusing, even contentious.  The Interfaith Dialogue in Action course makes space for students of all religious and non-religious backgrounds to engage with one another, reflect together, and learn skills to build dialogue between people with different faith traditions, worldviews, practices, and beliefs.  

 

Learn More