Religion in a Changing World

Religion is everywhere. Knowledge of religion is essential for anyone who wants to understand the world. If you are fascinated by the diversity of religions, their development throughout history and their meaning today – both in people’s personal lives and in society – the minor Religion in a Changing World is the right choice as a supplement to your major.

This minor includes mandatory and elective courses and is designed to acquaint students with the tools essential for studying, interpreting, and analysing religion as a human phenomenon. The first mandatory course, Religion in the World, provides an introductory survey of religion as a human cultural endeavour from prehistory to the present and from a global perspective. The second mandatory course, Religion and Politics, explores the complex and contested nexus between religion and politics. Students then choose three electives focusing on specific religious traditions (e.g. Islam, Buddhism, Hindu religions etc.) or broader themes (e.g. spirituality and health, education, etc.), as well as one of two courses exploring a social scientific approach (Sociology of Religion in English or Psychologie van Religie in Dutch).

The course list for the minor includes both English and Dutch courses, but it is possible to take the minor entirely in English (either entirely in semester 1 or spread across both semesters).

Maximum number of participants: 70 Prospectus number: 5000MRELN Language: English/Dutch Registration: via EduXchange 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

Students completing the program will be able to:

• Identify and describe the historical development of religions from prehistory to the present, using key concepts from the academic study of religion and related disciplines.
• Critically analyze how religion is shaped by relations of power and how it interacts with society and public life, including the question how religious ethics interact with political systems.
• Develop expertise with approaches to religion in the social sciences, focusing either on sociological approaches or psychological approaches.
• Explain religion as a human cultural phenomenon, including its diversity across cultures, its function in society, and its capacity to change over time.
• Communicate academic insights on religion effectively, both orally and in writing, in line with expectations for students preparing for further studies such as the MA Religious Studies.

• Extent: 30 EC (1 one semester or spread over 2 semesters)
• Intended for: All students with an interest in the subject matter
• Language of Instruction: English and Dutch. You can opt for a completely English taught package or a mix of Dutch and English taught courses.
• Websites: Centre for the Study of Religion
• Programme Coordinator: Dr. V.H. Meyer
• Information: Coordinator of Studies
• Board of Examiners: Religious Studies
• Registration: via EduXchange: 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

Request an eduID account to register in EduXchange. On how to do this, watch Explore & register for your minor via eduXchange. Students from another university: please visit Info about minors * From July, register separately for the courses via MyStudymap (only applies to LEI students!) Guest students will be helped with their course enrollment.

No prior knowledge required.