Christianity and the Modern World: Religion, Anticlericalism and Secularization in Western Europe c.1750-2000 (HI0147)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-CMW

This course examines Christian responses to the challenges of modernity. Topics to be investigated include: the Enlightenment and attacks on organised religion and 'superstition': the French Revolution and dechristianization: religious revivals in the nineteenth century: devotion, popular religion and popular culture: the science versus religion debate: the culture wars between anticlericals and apologists for religion: and the churches and the social question. As regards the twentieth century, special attention will be paid to issues such as the rise of political Catholicism and the trajectory of Christian democracy: war and faith: and the indicators of religious decline and renewal since the 1960s.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level historical course and any second level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admission Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel. 503783)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

To understand the development of one of the world's major religions in a European context over a period of some 250 years. To appreciate the complexities of the term 'modernity' and to grasp its economic, social, political and cultural dimensions. To discover that responses to modernity can be religious as well as secular and that there is therefore no necessary conflict brtween religion and 'the modern world'. To be aware nevertheless that conflicts between champions of religion and apologists for modernity have been intense, particularly in the 'culture wars' of the nineteenth century, and to appreciate what has been at stake in these quarrels. To develop an informed view as to why secularity has come to prevail in Europe, particularly in the past 40 years. To enhance students' analytical skills and to increase their ability to handle concepts.