Religion, Space and Identity

Course goals

The primary aim of this course is to analyse the intersection between religion, space, and identity through the study of primary sources from the ancient, medieval, and early modern periods. The course will introduce you to the interlinked themes of 'space', 'religion', and identit‎y'. A particular focus will be placed on the connections between these, such as the role of religion in constructions of space (e.g. sacred space), and the role of space (e.g. geographic space but also landscape and city spaces) and of religion in forming identity, for example. The nature of the interconnections, examples, and theoretical frameworks used will vary slightly from year to year depending on the research focus of the teaching staff and of participating students. In principle, the range of sources examined will cover the range of all tracks within the RMA AMRS (Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and North Sea Area).

Content

The course will focus on the analysis of primary sources. In the first two weeks, the teaching staff will provide the primary sources and secondary material, to introduce you to the type of approach that can be taken. In the following weeks of the course, you will provide primary texts for reading from the perspective of the course, in advance of each class, thus tailoring the course to their own spheres of interest.
 

Additional information

The entrance requirements for Exchange Students will be checked by the International Office and the Programme coordinator. Acceptance is not self-evident.

This course is a compulsory choice within the Research MA Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies and is an elective for students in the following Research master programmes: Comparative Literary Studies; Art History; Nederlandse Literatuur en Cultuur; Musicology; Gender Studies; Media, Art And Performance Studies; Religious Studies; Philosophy; Modern and Contemporary History; Linguistics.