Human Rights, Global Ethos and the Problem of Religion (6cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

Upon completing the course, the student• understands and is able to analyse universal and ethical challenges presented by a multicultural and multiproblematic world, and to view the necessity of global standards (esp. human rights) in solving collective challenges.• is able to problematize the reality of a pluralistic society and discerns its ethical-moral possibilities and limitations.• is capable of viewing the global effects of the Western world view as well as its strengths and weaknesses in relation to global challenges and the diversity of world views prevailing amidst humankind.• acknowledges the problem of religion: on the one hand, the roots of social conflicts often originating from religion, and on the other hand, the historical civilizing effect of world religions.• has become acquainted with the ongoing interfaith dialogue and the related quest for a common ethical foundation as an attempt to break with the traditional deadlock of religions and proceed towards a more constructive realization of the phenomenon of religion in the society.

Execution methods

Lectures: 20 h; group discussions: 5 h; independent work: 135 h.

Accomplishment methods

Active participation in the lectures and group discussions; study of the literature; writing an essay (in pairs or in small groups); writing a learning journal (individually)

Content

The necessity of globally sustainable standards, such as the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights, in the face of universal challenges, and applying these in the world’s multicultural and the society’s pluralistic reality; the Western civilization, its historical global influence and the opportunities and pitfalls it offers; the influence of religions on the life of society; religions both as dynamic and regenerative civilizational impulses and as engines driving conflicts and inequality; the ongoing interfaith dialogue with its possibilities and shortcomings.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail (0): The assigment is highly incomplete or erroneous, or it includes significant misunderstandings.

Adequate (1): The assignment is very limited and shallow; it discusses topics incoherently and one-sidedly; it includes numerous errors and ambiguities.

Satisfactory (2): The assignment is limited and corresponds poorly to the given task; it discusses topics one-sidedly; it includes some errors and ambiguities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): The assignment corresponds mostly with the given task, and it shows understanding and a skill to analyse and give arguments; it seeks an overall picture, but it includes some flaws.

Commendable (4): The assignment corresponds with the given task, and it shows understanding and a skill to analyse and give arguments and it forms an overall picture; it include very few flaws.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): The assignment is a coherent and comprehensive whole, which applies matters in a versatile manner or sets them in various contexts; it shows critical thinking and independent insights; the text is well written.

Qualifications

course GKAS3411 (exceptions negotiable).