This summer school will discuss the topic of religion in the unstable world, including a variety of issues such as climate change, COVID and the health and care crisis, political instability with right-wing populism and the challenges of artificial intelligence. This multifaceted approach captures the most pressing issues in which religion affects, and is affected by, contemporary global societies. Some of the questions that the summer school will discuss are the following:
- Religion and climate change
- How do religious groups relate to climate change?
- How can religion and spirituality help us in interpreting, predicting and resolving climate-induced conflicts?
- Political instability and right-wing populism
- How do religious discourses play a role in contemporary politics?
- How do religious perspectives are being mobilized in the current wave of right-wing populism around the globe?
- Religion, science and artificial intelligence
- How do religion and technology relate in times of artificial intelligence?
- What are the ethical and religious implications of a life governed by algorithms?
- How do religious groups jeopardize scientific responses and promote discourses that oppose COVID-19 safety measures?
Moreover the summer school will offer you training in relevant skills for your academic career.
Course leader
Dr. Julia Martínez-Ariño
Dr. Manoela Carpenedo Rodríguez
Target group
This summer school is designed for MA & PhD students interested in the social-scientific study of religion. Students coming from the humanities and related disciplines are also welcome to apply.
It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions.
Course aim
After this course you will be able to:
1. Recognise the main academic debates surrounding the topics of religion and climate change, religion and the COVID19 crisis, religion and political instability and religion and technology.
2. Use different methodological approaches to the study of religion and religious changes.
3. Apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge gained into the analysis of empirical cases.
4. Reflect upon the ethical implications of different types of research approaches.
5. Be equipped for the next stages of you academic career.
Credits info
1 EC
The general workload will be around 40 hours. This includes preparatory work, attending seminars and conference meetings.
Upon successful completion of the program, the summer school offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 40 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.
Fee info
EUR 0: Participation is free, as well as the virtual conference, welcoming drinks, 5 lunches, coffee/tea, 2 dinners, 1 boat tour and 1 city tour
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below.