Law and Religion

Teacher(s)

Vrielink Jogchum;

Language

English

Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Law and religion' addresses the complex interactions between law and religion/belief. The course provides an introduction to the main concepts, principles, rights and techniques used by experts in the field, as well as to their historical development and contemporary controversies surrounding them. The course aims to familiarize students with the fundamental rights relevant for religion (especially freedom of religion or belief; freedom of expression; freedom of association and the right to non-discrimination) and the multiple meanings of state neutrality, in order to be able to deal with cases involving religious aspects across several legal disciplines.

Content

Topics dealt with during the sessions include:
• What is ‘law and religion'?
• Defining religion and belief for legal purposes
• Main legal sources relevant to the field of law & religion
• Religion and discrimination law
• Religious symbols and attire
• Freedom of expression and religion (blasphemy, hate speech, proselytism, etc.)
• ‘Religious' terrorism and State responses
• Gender, religion and the law
• The legal position and status of religious groups
• State funding of religions
• Religion and criminal law
• Religion and education

Teaching methods

The course is delivered in the form of lectures (accompanied by a reader and powerpoint slides).

Evaluation methods

In case of an exam on campus (présentiel): written exam (2h), consisting of 2 essay questions, semi open/closed book (i.e. only case reader allowed)
In case of a distance exam (à distance): written exam (2h), via Moodle (‘Assignment’ tool), open book.

Bibliography

Recommended and required readings (per session) will be provided to students via online learning tool as well as via the reprography.

Faculty or entity

> DRTB