Module 1: Religious Imaginations in Today's World
Religion is often a contentious topic, bound up with personal experience, both positive and negative, and with the contested histories of peoples, societies, and institutions. We can, therefore, shy away from discussing it, even in the classroom. But a knowledge of world religions is essential to understanding today’s world.
It is being harnessed by populists and nationalists into major political forces. But it is also empowering activists and inspiring new forms of engagement with the challenges of our times.
Through this module you will learn from expert panels of eminent faith contributors and develop skills for navigating religious plurality on campus and beyond, through participatory workshops.
By participating in this module, you will:
- Gain knowledge of the fundamental imaginative foundations of different religious traditions and the concepts that motivate and structure religious thinking today
- Gain understanding of the critical role faith groups and individuals of faith play in modern society
- Develop the skills of dialogue across difference, critical decision making and polarity thinking
- Learn from and connect with students from different faith and belief backgrounds in an inclusive, non-assessed educational space
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Session 1: Monday October 20th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Introduction
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A comprehensive introduction to the programme, its ethos and expectations, and an introduction to the concept of religious imaginations.
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Session 2: Monday October 27th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What is truth?
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An interactive panel discussion with eminent experts from different religions speaking from their own experience and reflecting on each others’ perspectives.
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Session 3: Monday November 10th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What is justice?
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An interactive panel discussion with eminent experts from different religions speaking from their own experience and reflecting on each others’ perspectives.
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Session 4: Monday November 17th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What is the good life?
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An interactive panel discussion with eminent experts from different religions speaking from their own experience and reflecting on each others’ perspectives.
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Session 5: Monday November 24th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
How can religion influence effective leadership?
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A critical discussion of the role that faith groups and individuals of faith play in informing effective leadership, with an interactive panel discussion with leaders from different sectors about ways in which they draw upon faith.
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Session 6: Monday December 1st, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
How should the government engage with faith communities?
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A critical discussion of the role that faith groups and individuals of faith play in the multi-lateral and political spheres, with an interactive panel discussion of policy-makers and politicians about the critical role of faith in society.
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Session 7: Saturday December 6th, 11:00am to 2:00pm*
Exploring tools for leadership across difference
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Session Summary:
This half-day session will explore and experiment with tools for critical decision making in complex situations.
*This workshop may take place on Sunday December 7th depending on the religious needs of participants.
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The programme is open to all current LSE students, of all faiths and none.
To join fill in this application. The deadline is midnight on Sunday 12th October.
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