Class The Religious Phenomenon in the Contemporary World

This curricular unit aims to deepen the understanding of the role of religion in contemporary societies, analyzing its various manifestations, challenges, and transformations. Topics such as: i) secularisation and religious pluralism, analyzing the development and evolution of the religious phenomenon and the increase in religious diversity in modern societies; ii) religion and politics, examining the place and role of religions in the public sphere, the relationship between religion and the state and the influence of religions on public policy; iii) and new forms of religiosity, with the interpretation of new religious expressions, such as new religious movements, individualized spirituality and civic religions

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1) General introduction: - Fundamental concepts (secularization, secularism, secularity, secularity, spirituality, pluralism, and diversity). - Global (contemporary) trends in the religious phenomenon    2) Theories of secularisation - Rationalisation; - Societalisation; - Functional differentiation; - Existential security; - Cultural diversity.   3) Theories of individualization: - Privatisation of religion and invisible religion; - Believing without belonging and vicarious religion; - Reflexive spirituality; - Religion as a chain of memory   4) Supply-side theory / Religious economy      5) Contemporary secularism - State-religion relations - Contemporary models of separation, cooperation, and the State Church.             

The teaching-learning process combines classroom learning, theoretical and practical lessons, with independent, individual and group study. This process is supported by e-learning activities and online resources (e.g. Moodle), as well as close contact with the lecturer. Student attendance and participation are strongly encouraged. The course uses three forms of assessment (an oral presentation, a final assignment and participation in classroom debates). These forms of assessment also make it possible to evaluate students' ability to understand and apply concepts, structure logically consistent answers and critical arguments, draw conclusions and implications for a future master's dissertation.

Berger, Peter L. 2014. The Many Altars of Modernity: Toward a Paradigm for Religion in a Pluralist Age. Boston: De Gruyter. Inglehart, Ronald F. 2021. Religion’s Sudden Decline: What’s Causing It, and What Comes Next? Oxford: Oxford University Press. Moniz, Jorge Botelho. 2024. Secularização - Genealogias, Modelos e Debates. INCM – Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda: Lisboa. Taylor, Charles. 2007. A Secular Age. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.