REL 287 The Dynamics of Globalization: Society, Religion and the Environment (Same as Environmental Studies 287) (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)
Recent events have demonstrated the importance of religion in the
contemporary world. What is perhaps less obvious is the reason for this role,
which is often misconceived as a return of the past. This course provides a
different picture by examining the social, cultural and environmental dynamics
of globalization and their consequences for religion. We begin with a general
investigation of globalization and raise questions such as: What is the nature of
globalization and its relation to (post)modernity? Is it a new phenomenon? What
are the cultural dynamics that globalization favors? What are its consequences
for the exercise of power? What are its environmental consequences? We then
shift to religion, arguing that its renewed relevance is a function of globalization
and the transformations that the latter brings about. We examine some of the
religious expressions favored by globalization as markers of identity, from
personal quests as manifested in interest in Buddhism, ecology or mountain
climbing, to various forms of fundamentalism, such as Pentecostalism, the
fastest growing religious denomination in the Americas, and the most radical
forms of Islam.
Readings: Bauman, Globalization; Castells, The Rise of the Network Society;
Harvey, The Condition of Postmodernity; Godelier, The Enigma of the Gift;
Tibi, The Challenge of Fundamentalism; Martin, Tongues of Fire; Ortner, Life
and Death on Mt. Everest.
Format: seminar. Requirements: a class presentation and a research paper (15
pp.).
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 22 (expected: 22). Preference given to
Religion majors.
This course satisfies the "Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences" requirement
for the Environmental Studies concentration.