Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
7PSIR422Religion and Politics3+0+03508.01.2025
Course Details
Language of Instruction French
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program Political Science and International Relations
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The course aims to explore the complex interplay between religion and international relations by examining the historical development of world religions, the evolution of the international affairs system, and key theoretical frameworks. Through an analysis of concepts such as secularism, religious diplomacy, globalization, and the role of religion in state policies, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how religious ideologies influence international conflict, cooperation, and diplomacy in various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Course Content This course explores how religion influences international relations, focusing on its role in global politics. Students will learn about the history of world religions, their interaction with international relations theories, and their impact on state policies, secularism, globalization, and conflicts. Case studies from Europe and the Middle East highlight the role of religion in diplomacy and global affairs.
Course Methods and Techniques This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods such as lecturing, written assignments,essays, group debates and pop quiz.

Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Prof.Dr. Emel Topcu https://profil.hku.edu.tr/akademik/emel-topcu/ emel.topcu@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Haynes, J. (2013).An Introduction to International Relations and Religion. Taylor & Francis Group
Course Notes
1. Haynes, J. (2013).An Introduction to International Relations and Religion. Taylor & Francis Group;

Course Category
Social Sciences %100

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 25
Quizzes 2 % 20
Attendance 15 % 10
Final examination 1 % 45
Total
19
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 15 3 45
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 15 3 45
Assignments 2 10 20
Mid-terms 1 20 20
Final examination 1 20 20
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 5 150

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Explain the historical development of world religions and their foundational concepts, including faith, belief, and theological debates.
2 Analyze the relationship between religion and international relations theories, including the impact of desacralization.
3 Evaluate the roles of religious non-state actors in conflict, cooperation, democratization, and development.
4 Assess the interplay between religion and politics in specific regions, such as the USA, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Pacific Asia.
5 Understand the effects of globalization on religion, with a focus on Islam in Europe and its broader implications for international affairs.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction of the Course
2 A short history of the world’s religions, and a disquisition on faith, belief, theological argument, philosophical debate, and formlessness Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 1-49
3 Theory and practice: The nature and methodology of desacralisation Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 50-79
4 Religion and International Relations theory Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 80-112;
5 Religious non-state actors and international relations Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 144-175
6 Religion and democratisation Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 177-211
7 Religion and development Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 212-242;
8 Mid-Term Exam
9 Religion, conflict and cooperation Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 243-270
10 Religion and politics in the USA Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 276-318
11 Globalisation and Islam in Europe Haynes, J. (2013) Page:322-363
12 Politics and religion in the Middle East Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 367-406
13 Politics and religion in the Sub-Saharan Africa Haynes, J. (2013) Page:408-450
14 Politics and religion in the South Asia Haynes, J. (2013) Page: 458-500
15 Politics and religion in the Pasific Asia Haynes, J. (2013) Page:502-538
16 Final Exam

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10
C1 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 3 4 5
C2 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 3 4 5
C3 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 3 4 5
C4 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 3 4 5
C5 5 5 5 4 4 3 2 3 4 5

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant