Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Introduction and overview• Introduction to module • ‘Making multilateralism fit for purpose’ (EU); time-line for a just transition • Cultural and ethical strategies in policy initiatives • Religious literacy and engagement with religious communities in light of international documentsAssessing the current global situation• The landscape of a rapidly changing diplomatic context • COVID-19 • Climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity • Digital technologies/AI/GDPR • Social disparities • Racial justice/historical justice • Arms controlModern multilateral diplomacy• President Wilson and the League of Nations • Post – World War II • The rise of public diplomacy • Two tendencies: the SDGs versus transactional diplomacyFirst principles: the ‘Socratic Question’• Socrates: how should we live? A design for living? • Confucius: trust between rulers and ruled • Individual interests and the common interest • An effective public truth • Cross-disciplinary enquiry • Personal communication/moral discernmentFreedom of Religion or Belief• Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) a core human rights principle • FoRB exercised ‘alone or in community with others’ • Openness of the public sphere to practical and policy contributions from religious communities and associationsReligious communities in the public squareLeaving aside questions at the intersection of freedom of religion or belief and public policy (education, etc): • Religions have immense ‘social capital’ • Religion plays a part in conflict resolution • and in the broader politics of global peaceful transformationInsights from anthropology and sociology• Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures Project • The International Panel on Social Progress • Each society finds a way forward within parameters set by its past • Interaction between public authorities and the religious confessions is helpful to the religions themselvesFinding a common language for the secular and religion• Traditional values and universal human rights in Myanmar (a case study)The way of the future? A process-oriented approach• ‘Imaging’ or visualizing peace • Freedom as the condition of authentic human relationships: from coercion to consent • The starting position for political deliberation is inevitably non-ideal • The anatomy of benign change • Frameworks of engagement: defining the political community • Education for dialogueHow art accompanies beneficial social change• The relationship between art and political ideas • The poetry of Seamus Heaney and the politics of John Hume • Northern Ireland in the European and global context • Peace processes and the global situationShared hope• Hope - a ‘great fundamental word’ • A common criterion of measurement in very different situations • ‘Going against the current’ • Hope accords with reason • Hope is shared | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 43181, website, Vatican (Pope Francis), 2015, 'Laudato Si'' (encyclical), Vatican City, Holy See Press Office, www.vatican.va, 43182, 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, 43396, 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, 43397, 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, 43398, website, OHCHR, 2017, Beirut Declaration on "Faith for Rights", Geneva, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, www.ohchr.org, 43399, website, UN Secretariat, 2017, Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors, New York, UN Secretariat, www.un.org, 43400, website, Vatican (Pope Francis), 2020, "Fratelli Tutti", Vatican City, Holy See Press Office, www.vatican.va, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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