Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian

Recommended previous knowledge

REL117 Judaism, Christianity and Humanism, REL118 Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, and REL119 Ethics

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course the students shall

Knowledge

  • have a broad knowledge about the relation between modernity and religion
  • have a broad knowledge about globalization and secularization
  • have a broad knowledge about social movements and radicalization processes
  • have broad knowledge about religion as motivation for violence and other forms of political action
  • be familiar with jihadist ideology and the use of internet and social media in jihadist organizations

Skills

  • have the ability to explain what consequences globalization and secularization have for religion
  • have the ability to explain how fundamentalism begun and how it has developed within various religions
  • be able to discuss how fundamentalism may motivate and lead to political action
  • have the ability to discuss the relationship between religion and populist movements

General competence

  • have the ability to understand and convey central topics within religious fundamentalism, radicalization and violent extremism
  • have the ability to apply this knowledge to current problems that involve religious extremism and political populist movements

Contents

The course gives an introduction into recent theoretical and empirical studies of religious fundamentalism, radicalism and violent extremism. Radicalization and violent extremism have generally been linked to Islamic terrorism. This course goes even further, and aims to understand fundamentalism, radicalization and violence in movements within both Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. The course gives an introduction into the origins of fundamentalism in Christian Societies in the USA. It also takes into consideration the recent upsurge of authoritarian and populist movements in different parts of the world and their linkages to religion. One central aspect is a sociological perspective on religious change where secularization and globalization are emphasized. The course will focus on the social processes of radicalization, how religion is used to legitimize violence, and how discrimination and stereotyping of minorities may lead to religious and political extremism.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and seminars. The workload is estimated to approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

A preliminary test must be assessed as a pass. More information will be given at semester start.

Examinations

Four-hour written examination. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
REL204 – Dialog and Conflict. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:55:54 AM