Ethno-Religious Minorities in Central and Eastern Europe

ECTS Credits

5 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Autumn (the course is not taught every year)

Place of Instruction

Online course, and therefore not restricted to Bergen.

Objectives and Content

The course provides an introduction to the history of ethno-religious minorities in selected regions of Eastern Europe from the early modern period to the present. The course looks at the processes of denominational differentiation following the Reformation in the multi-ethnic areas of these regions that resulted in the formation of ethno-religious communities. The course will also include the history of selected groups that migrated to the region or were the result of proselytization. In addition, the course will focus on topics such as the socio-political dynamics of majority-minority-relationships (`religious toleration¿), religious institutionalization, and the formation of ethnic and national identities.

Learning Outcomes

The student shall by the end of the course have gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

• has advanced knowledge of the cultural context and development of selected ethno-religious groups in East-Central Europe

Skills:

The student

• can critically analyze sources about ethno-religious minorities in Central and Eastern Europe
• can contribute academic-level discussion comments and responses about issues related to the main topics of the course.

General competence:

The student

• can communicate about the history of ethno-religious minorities in Central and Eastern Europe in writing on an academic graduate level can contextualize cultural, historical and socio-political issues related to ethno-religious groups

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

The course literature is in English. Students should therefore have a sound knowledge of English

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

None

Access to the Course

Admission to the Master¿s Programme Religious Minorities or other Master¿s Programmes at the UiB.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching and student activities in this course will entirely take place online.

Examples

• short introductory videos
• readings
• following each video/reading there will be a short quiz, that tests the students basic understanding of the video/reading
• individual feedback on discussion postings and essays from the instructor participation in online discussions

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

In this course the following compulsory requirements have to be approved in order to sit for the examination:

• course quizzes following videos and/or texts. There will be between 1 and 5 quizzes per week, and successfull completion of at least 70 % if the quizzes is required.
• Discussion posting and responses to postings by other students
• at least four comments on the essays of other students (peer-reviewed assignments)

Compulsory requirements are evaluated with "approved/not approved."

Forms of Assessment

The examination consists of two papers:

1 essay (800 words) - 40% of the total grade1 essay (2000 words) - 60% of the total grade

Both parts of the assessment must be passed in order to pass the examination. The examination will be given a total grade.

Examination Support Material

-

Grading Scale

A graded marking scale (A to F) is used. A is the top grade and F means Failed.

Assessment Semester

The course is normally assessed in the teaching semester only.

Reading List

The reading list consists of approximately 500 pages.

The reading list is published by June 1st. for the autumn semester and by December 1st. for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

The course unit will be evaluated regularly.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee for The Study of Religion

Course Coordinator

The Programme Committee for The Study of Religion

Course Administrator

Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion