POL S 447 A: Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics

Many important events, both historical and contemporary, lie at the intersection of religion, politics, and violence. Prominent examples include the Roman execution of Jesus, the European conquest and colonization of the Americas, the partition of India, 9/11, and Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya. At the same time, religions contain teachings promoting peace and nonviolence. What are the conditions under which their violent possibilities emerge? How do group identity, political leadership, and the social context contribute to events where religion is either a motivating factor for committing violence, or where people are targeted in part because of their religion? This course explores those questions. We will draw from concepts and research in political science and related disciplines to examine cases from different periods, regions, and religions. Most of the readings will be primary sources connected to the cases. The course requirements are a midterm exam, a final exam, a paper, and active participation in class discussions.