Major - Conflict and Conversion

RLCT 2076  Conflict and Conversion

Prerequisites:

Any 18 credits completed.

Antirequisites:

GEND 2076

Hours:

Three hours of lecture per week for one term.

Credits:

3

Description:

Throughout human history, religious beliefs, values and practices have played a crucial role in the processes of colonization. Focusing primarily on the Western traditions from the 15th century to now, this course examines the mechanisms through which religious beliefs and values are sometimes deployed in the service of European colonialism. We reflect on the historical and contemporary humanitarian work of missionaries, priests, monks and nuns, related to health care and education and explore the extent to which this charitable, service work might be a mechanism of colonization. We explore how religion-which transforms hearts and minds-might play a profound role in the transformation of cultures not only in terms of conformity with colonialism, but also in terms of its liberatory potential in resisting colonialism. This course is also offered as GEND 2076.