From controversies over the veil to conflicts around blasphemy and 'freedom of speech', one of the major challenges and controversies of contemporary Europe is the role of religion in public life. On the one hand, secularism or 'laicité' calls for the removal of religious display. On the other, multicultural Europe seeks to include and recognise people from a variety of faith traditions. This course introduces students to these debates and and undertakes a selective genealogy of relevant issues across European history and intellectual life. Lectures will address contemporary issues, such as the rise of Islamism, and study its roots in the political and intellectual formation of modern Europe. Looking at relevant film and literary texts, as well as utilising cultural and social analysis, you will address topics such as Islam and Europe, the relationship of Church and State, battles between science and religion, nihilism and the so-called 'death of god, atheism and the 'post-secular' age. The course aims to enrich and nuance yourunderstanding of the complex role and history of religion in modern European culture and society and to cultivate informed and independent thinking in this area.
