Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/violences-religions
The ‘Violences et religions’ course offered on Coursera dives deep into a critical topic that resonates strongly in today’s world—the complex relationship between violence and religion. Not only does this course address contemporary issues rooted in historical events, but it also encourages a nuanced understanding of religious texts and traditions across Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Course Overview
The course takes a historical and comparative perspective, particularly shedding light on the Euro-Mediterranean sphere. The primary focus is on Christianity and Islam, but it also allocates some time to Judaism, which enriches the discussion. The course begins with a rigorous analysis of sacred texts—the Bible and the Quran—encouraging participants to engage with some of the most challenging and transformative ideas within these writings.
Course Syllabus Highlights
- Methodology and Origins: The course opens with a historico-critical approach, allowing learners to contextualize religious texts and early church history related to Christianity and Islam.
- Medieval Christendom: This section covers various aspects of medieval Christianity, including forced Christianization, heretic hunts, and the Crusades, while also acknowledging non-violent traditions.
- Medieval and Modern Islam: Participants will explore the evolution of Islam from the time of the first caliphs through the conquests of the Umayyad dynasty, delving into the Islamic perspectives on war and peace.
- Modern Europe (16th to 18th Century): This part of the course navigates through the era of religious violence and the theological and philosophical reflections that led to the eventual triumph of religious freedom in Europe.
- Islam from the 18th to 20th Century: Students will gain insights into key movements like Salafism and Wahhabism, and explore pivotal events such as the Arab Renaissance and conflicts in the Arab world.
- Current Reflections and Challenges: The course concludes with thought-provoking insights from prominent speakers who provide philosophical, legal, humanitarian, religious, and psychological perspectives on the latter-day challenges the topic presents.
Recommendation
This course promises to equip participants with a profound understanding of how religions have historically influenced and been influenced by issues of violence and peace. It’s ideal for students, educators, and anyone interested in religious studies, history, political science, or peace studies. With its comprehensive syllabus and thought-provoking lectures, ‘Violences et religions’ serves as an essential resource for tackling prevalent societal questions and deepening one’s understanding of these critical issues.
If you’re looking for a course that encourages critical thinking, fosters historical insight, and engages with contemporary dilemmas, ‘Violences et religions’ could be a rewarding choice, providing education, context, and a platform for discussion.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/violences-religions