Fall 2020 - HUM 360 D200

Special Topics: Great Themes in the Humanistic Tradition (4)

Religion & Politics in Modern Europe

Class Number: 7543

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary study of a selected theme that has made a lasting contribution to the humanistic tradition in more than one field of endeavour(e.g. philosophy, politics, literature,economics, religion). This course may be repeated once for credit. Students who have credit for a course with this content under another Humanities course may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:



CHURCH VERSUS STATE: RELIGION AND POLITICS IN MODERN EUROPE

Scholars recognize the year 1789 as a major turning point in the history of the western world, as the centuries-old ancien régime in France crumbled beneath a revolutionary onslaught whose ramifications were felt globally. Politics and society across Europe underwent radical, sometimes sudden change. One institution that found itself deeply embattled on multiple fronts was the Catholic Church, a formerly formidable power alongside kings and queens, now having to fight for its very existence. From the end of the eighteenth century to today, churches and their leaders have endeavoured to adapt to a constantly-changing political landscape while preserving their spiritual and moral authority and, at times, their political sway. At different moments, politics and religious beliefs have found themselves at irreconcilable odds, sparking contention, anti-state resistance, open defiance, and deep divisions within a population.

This course proposes to examine these intersections of politics and religion into the modern era through a series of case studies from around Europe between 1789 and 2020. The purpose of each case is to underscore the specific and complex relationship between church and state actors; to analyze how different groups of people responded to this complexity in terms of their vested interests; and to explore how religious leaders compensated for political losses and attempted to preserve their spheres of influence in other ways. While we will focus mostly on the Catholic Church for the duration of the course, attention will be given at times to the Protestant churches. Jewish and Muslim populations will also feature dominantly in some of the case studies.

Please Note: While I prefer in-person classes for the human connections and spontaneous reactions that emerge between and among me and your classmates, please note that due to the ongoing pandemic, almost all teaching at SFU in Fall 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. This asks us to sacrifice the benefits of in-person classes, which I regret, but we must consider personal safety over personal preference. Humanities 360 will feature a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities delivered remotely. For most weeks, you will listen to short, asynchronous lectures available on Canvas (you can listen to them on your own time), but you will be expected to engage in live activities with me and each other for approximately one to two hours per week for most weeks of the semester. (There will be a break in early November.) There may be additional asynchronous activities for you to complete.

Anyone with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure eligibility and the timely implementation of approved accommodations and services.

Grading

  • Remote Participation - glossary of terms; annotated reading/notes; student presentations 25%
  • Kertzer Review 25%
  • Final Project (Portfolio) 50%

NOTES:

Synchronous (Live) Course Components include weekly class meetings (via Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate Ultra), student presentations, and the annotated reading/notes exercise.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

David Kertzer, The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara

Bronwyn Winter, Hijab and the Republic (online)

And various readings, to be provided on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).