Advanced Course ‘Theology and Philosophy in Contemporary Contexts: Post-Colonial, Post-Modern, and Post-Secular Approaches’ (5 EC)
Dr. L.M. van Liere (UU) and dr. S.A.J. van Erp (RU)
29 September, 4 & 5 November 2011
Theology and Philosophy in Contemporary Contexts: Post-Modern, Post-Secular and Post-ColonialApproaches
Although for a long time, religion seemed to have vanished from the stages of intellectual modern Western society, since a few decades philosophers have shown a renewed interest into religion and religious thinking. Religion-related topics became embedded into philosophical discourses, especially in those discourses that developed a sharp critical focus towards the core themes of modernity (Lyotard, Derrida, Agamben). These thinkers linked their reflections on religion and theology to postmodern discourses. From here, two other developments took place. First, the atrocity of 9/11 urged philosophers to take religion serious within their reflections on society (Zizek, Badiou, Eagleton). Second, the renewed attention of postmodern thinking and the interest of political philosophers into religion and theology encouraged theologians to reply to these developments and integrate philosophical insights into their analyses of religion in modern Western society (Keller, Milbank,Ward). Core theological issues like Christology and eschatology are challenged by philosophical and political analyses of current ‘secular’ society.
This NOSTER-course studies these new frameworks in which religion, politics and secular society are contesting each other, creating insights into the contemporary context. We will read three key publications that represent the current critical debate, focusing on shifting perspectives on religion and/in society and its impact on theological discourses.
Teaching staff:
Dr. Stephan van Erp (RadboudUiversity Nijmegen) and dr. Lucien van Liere (University of Utrecht) coordinate the course.
Prof. Graham Ward (University of Oxford) will respond to the papers of the participants.
Credits:
5 EC
Level:
The course is open to students of accredited Research Master programmes and to PhD-students. In some cases, research-oriented students from other master programmes may be admitted. For further information, please contact the office.
Dates and times:
Autumn 2011: 29 September (13.00 – 17.00), 4 & 5 November (10.00 – 17.00)
Place:
- 29 September: A.W. de Grootkamer (0.19), Trans 8, Utrecht
- two-day seminar:
4 November: A.W. de Grootkamer (0.19), Trans 8, Utrecht
5 November: Drift 23, Room 2.12 Utrecht
Key Literature:
Catherine Keller, God and Power, Counter-Apocalyptic Journeys, (Fortress Press, 2005)
Graham Ward, The Politics of Discipleship, Becoming Postmaterial Citizens, (Baker Academic, 2009)
John Milbank, The Future of Love, Essays in Political Theology(SCM Press, 2009); John Milbank, ‘The Gift of Ruling’, in J. Milbank, S. Oliver (eds), The Radical Orthodoxy Reader, (Routledge, 2009).
Teaching methods:
Introduction to the subject with critical references to the genesis of the so-called ‘turn to religion’ within philosophy. Introductions to the literature focused on implications of the place of religion within current critical discourse, as well as on theological responses and implications. Presentations of papers by participants.
Testing methods:
Active participation and a paper presentation.
Required preparation: To be determined.
Final qualifications:
Students have to be present at all sessions, have to actively participate in these sessions, and properly present their work in the final session.
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The School is entitled to cancel a course in case the minimum number of registrations is not reached and/or pressed by circumstances regarding the teaching staff or the providing institutions.
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