After this course, you will:

• be able to recognize and apply, at least in an initial way, the basic theories, key concepts and developments in the relationship between religion and media;
• be able to recognize and interpret the role and influence of religion in the media;
• also be able to combine and apply insights from the fields of religious studies and media studies on specific examples of popular media culture.  

Modern media strongly influence our daily life. We receive news and information through them, in printed form, through radio and television or through the internet. In the same and other media we are consumers of entertainment. Social media have become a predominant means of communication. The virtual world of 'Youtopia' has become an important part of the public sphere, and at the same time the borders between public and private have become fluid. All these developments also influence the world of religion and spirituality. Religion enjoys an ever-increasing accessibility on a global scale. The image of religion is mediated and new forms of 'online religion' or 'digital religion' try to meet the demands of the new internet generations of 'cyber seekers'.  In this course we will study the interaction between religion and media. How do religious institutions deal with media, how do they communicate their message, in which way is the sacred present in the world of media and popular culture?