Module: Religion, Human Values & International Relations

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Religion, Human Values & International Relations
Module Code	RET1060 (ITS: TP532)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

The purpose of this module is to examine the changing character of diplomacy and international relations, with a specific focus on religion, human values, and peacebuilding. In this module students engage in interactive dialogue exploring the orientation and methodology of multilateral diplomacy in light of the key areas noted above. In this process, students develop knowledge and skills in terms of evaluating ideas and proposals in the realm of international relations, with examples drawn from Ireland and beyond. Learning activities in this module include a series of workshops around key themes, each based on an introductory lecture/presentation; a visit to the Chester Beatty Library, including presentations exploring religious diversity in the Library’s collection; and written assignments based on the workshops and reading list.

Learning Outcomes

1. analyse critically key issues in diplomacy in the global world of the twenty-first century;
2. assess developments in international diplomacy in the light of first principles and human values
3. display a critical understanding of the relationship between freedom of religion or belief and other public policy issues;
4. assess critically the conditions under which a values-led dialogue inclusive of religious traditions can help make multilateralism fit-for-purpose

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	250	Workshops/lectures – 32 hours On-site visit - 8 hours Independent study – 105 hours Assignment completion - 105 hours
Seminars	250	workshops/lectures 32 hours on-site visit 8 hours independent study 105 hours assignment completion 105 hours
Total Workload: 500

Section Breakdown
CRN	21015	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Philip McDonagh	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Class presentation / comments in class on the presentations of other participants in the module	20%	n/a
Short Answer Questions	Reflections on each of eight short set texts/quotations reflecting core issues under consideration in the module	30%	Week 12
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Research essay on a theme to be agreed with the module coordinator	50%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

McDonagh, Manocha, Mendoza, Neary: 2021, On the Significance of Religion for Global Diplomacy, Routledge, London,
Asja Bakic,Zsofia Ban,Annelies Beck: 0, Europa28, 1-912697-29-7
Richard Haass: 2017, A World in Disarray, Penguin Press HC, 352, 9780399562365
Helen J. Alford,Michael Naughton: 2001, Managing as If Faith Mattered, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Illinois, 0–268–03462–1
Nanjala Nyabola: 2018, Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics, Zed, London,
Marc Fleurbaey: 2018, A Manifesto for Social Progress, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 246, 1-108-42478-3
Stephan Lessenich: 2019, Living Well At Others' Expense / The Hidden Costs of Western Prosperity, Polity, Cambridge, UK,
Yuval Noah Harari: 2018, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Jonathan Cape, London, 9781787330672
Gregorio Bettiza: 2019, Finding Faith in Foreign Policy, Oxford University Press, USA, New York, 9780190949464
Julian Baggini: 2018, How the World Thinks, Granta, London, 9781783782284
Bruno Latour: 2018, Down to Earth /Politics in the New Climatic Regime, Polity, Cambridge, UK,
Gerry O'Hanlon SJ (editor): 2017, A Dialogue of Hope / Critical Thinking for Critical Times, Messenger Publications, Dublin,
Tom Healy: 2019, An Ireland Worth Working For / Towards a New Democratic Program, New Island, Dublin,
Nancy Fraser: 2019, The Old Is Dying and the New Cannot Be Born, Verso, London,
Martin Sandbu: 2020, The Economics of Belonging, Princeton University Press, Princeton,
Malita Booker: 0, Pepper Seed, Peepal Tree Press,
Kevin Hargarden: 2018, Theological Ethics in a Neoliberal Age, Cascade Books, Oregon,
Joseph Chan: 2014, Confucian Perfectionism / A Political Philosophy for Modern Times, Princeton University Press, Princeton,
Amitav Ghosh: 2016, The Great Derangement, Penguin Books, India, 9780670089130

Articles:

Ocasio-Cortez, A.: 2018, ‘I believe in the forgiveness of sins’, America Magazine,, June 27, 2018,

Other Resources

website: Vatican (Pope Francis), 2015, 'Laudato Si'' (encyclical), Vatican City, Holy See Press Office, www.vatican.va
website: Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, 2019, Document on Human Fraternity and Living Together, Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF)/Vatican City, HCHF, www.forhumanfraternity.org; www.vatican.va
website: Bahai International Community, 2020, A Governance Befitting / Humanity and the Path Towards a Just Global Order, New York, Bahai International Community, www.bic.org
website: Philip McDonagh (principal author), 2018, Religion and Security–Building in the OSCE Context: Involving Religious Leaders and Congregations in Joint Efforts, Vienna, OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions, osce–network.net
website: OHCHR, 2017, Beirut Declaration on "Faith for Rights", Geneva, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, www.ohchr.org
website: UN Secretariat, 2017, Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors, New York, UN Secretariat, www.un.org
website: Vatican (Pope Francis), 2020, "Fratelli Tutti", Vatican City, Holy See Press Office, www.vatican.va