Module 1: Religious Imaginations in a Polirized 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.
This module will include panel discussions with eminent faith contributors giving you the opportunity to put your questions to them; smaller group dialogue sessions on weekly themes allowing you to learn from peers and build community, and participatory workshops to develop leadership skills that will equip you on campus and beyond.
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 leadership skills in effective communication, dialogue across differences and strategic empathy.
- 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. Participatory activity exploring storytelling as a tool for de-escalating polarising conversations.
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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. Followed
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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
Navigating difficult conversations
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An interactive workshop exploring our Tools for Dialogue through a 'difficult conversation' stimulations.
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Session 5: Monday November 24th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What is Religious Freedom?
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A critical discussion of the FoRB agenda in multi-lateral and political spheres, with an interactive panel discussion of policy-makers and politicians.
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Session 6: Monday December 1st, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What is Effective Leadership?
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A panel discussion about the role religion can play in informing effective leadership, with leaders from a range of sectors.
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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 faciliating divisive conversations between disagreeing parties.
*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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