Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian and English (if there are non-Norwegian speaking students present)

Recommended previous knowledge

60 ECTS credits in religion, ethics or social studies.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course the students shall

Knowledge

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

Skills

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

General competence

  • be able to understand and communicate central themes 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
  • have the ability to relate knowlegde from the course to UN Sustainable development goals, especially goal 16 about peace, justice and accountable and well functioning institutions

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 aims to understand fundamentalism, radicalization and violence in movements within both Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity.

The course gives an introduction to the origins of fundamentalism in Christian Societies in the USA. It also adresses the recent upsurge of authoritarian and populist movements in different parts of the world and their connection 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, seminars self-study and assignments. The workload is estimated at 270 hours.

Examination requirements

Compulsory course requirements must be approved. Further information will be given in Canvas when the semester starts.

Examinations

Four-hour written examination under supervision. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

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 10:39:41 AM