SOS2700 – Religious fundamentalism, extremism and violence
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course provides a theoretical and empirical introduction to religion as a sociological phenomenon, religious fundamentalism, extremism, and violence. We will discuss theoretical perspectives, which will be combined with current debates and research on these issues.
The course provides knowledge and insight into the sociological study of religion and religious extremism and religious violence. Which aspects of all world religions can be used to justify the use of violence? How do extreme groups recruit new participants? Are the participants ideologically convinced before they join or is ideological conviction a result of participation? What do we actually know about radicalization processes? How do sectarian conflicts erupt? What are the similarities and differences in stereotypical portrayals of religious minority groups, and how is race, culture and difference linked to islamophobia and antisemitism? And which role do women typically have in extremist religious groups? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this course.
In order to understand religious fundamentalism, extremism and violence, we will discuss different perspectives that have been used in empirical studies: social psychology, cultural analysis, and social movements.
This course will provide useful knowledge and skills for people who work in education, research, the media, public administration, the health and social services, business, politics, and international affairs.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The course will provide:
Key sociological concepts and theories used in the study of religion and religious extremism
Analytical perspectives in explanations of fundamentalism, religious extremism and violence
Empirical knowledge of different extreme religious movements around the world
Skills
You will develop the skills to:
- Use relevant concepts, theories and empirical knowledge in analyses of religion
- Provide a critical analysis of different theories in the study of extreme religious movements
- Provide a critical analysis of the empirical studies included in the syllabus
- Discuss and write such analyses, following the basic rules of social scientific inquiry
General competence
Think analytically about religious phenomena
The ability to distinguish between academic knowledge based on empirical studies versus personal perceptions
Respect for ethical considerations involved in scientific work in general and sociological studies of religion in particular
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
- Lectures
Note: fall 2023 there will be no lectures, only an exam.
Examination
- 4-hour written school exam.
Note that the last exam (fall 2023) will be a 4-hour written school exam. Previously the exam has been a home exam.?
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Resitting an exam
As of autumn 2023 the examination model for this course has changed. Students who wish to resit the exam, must complete the current examination model.
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It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.