At the end of this course, you have knowledge of:

 At the end of this course, you have initial skills in:

Detailed specifications of these general objectives can be find in the course guide.

Classical Texts and Current Research Themes

This seminar has two objectives: close reading of classical texts, and presentation and discussion of current research within the field of practical theology. (1) With regard to the reading of classical texts, we will focus on Friedrich Schleiermacher's On Religion: Speeches to its cultured despisers (1799) and Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason: Being an Investigation of True and Fabulous Theology (1794). After a short historical introduction of the authors and the specific texts, we will go in detail through the five lectures Schleiermacher's volume contains: Apology; On the essence of religion; On self-formation for religion; On the social element in religion, or, on church and priesthood; and On the religions. We also look in detail at the first part of Paine's volume on religion. You will present (in groups) parts of the text, and propose questions for discussion in relation to today’s faith and communities of faith. (2) With regard to the presentation of ongoing research within practical theology, the course will focus on the relation between religion and human rights. Based on relevant conceptual frameworks (religion from a meaning system approach and dimensions of human rights), you are introduced in empirical-theological research into religion and human rights. You will learn to use empirical research methods based on already collected data material and will make practical exercises, especially with regard to descriptive analyses, bivariate analyses and multivariate analysis with regard to religion and human rights.