Religion and Culture: Rethinking the Boundaries

About

This course explores the complex relationship between religion and culture through a comparative and multidisciplinary perspective.
We begin by ‘examining how “religion” is defined differently in Western intellectual traditions and in Islamic thought, and why these divergent definitions shape the way societies understand faith, morality, and community. Building on this foundation, the course analyzes the main areas regulated by religion- such as the relationship between God and the human being, the self (nafs), society, and the environment-and investigates how cultural contexts influence these domains.
Students will then engage with key concepts such as culture, subculture, counter-culture, and civilization, followed by a comparison between modern positivist civilization and Islamic/Aristotelian/Qur’an-centered models.
The course further addresses the harmony and tension between religion and culture, including the impact of secularization and cultural change on religious understanding. Attention is also given to
the risks of conflating religion with local customs, which can lead to distorted perceptions of religious teachings. Throughout the program, case studies such as Ottoman legal culture, Andalusia, and contemporary pluralistic societies will be used to illustrate how religion and culture shape social structures and coexistence models. The course combines lectures, interactive discussions, group work, and student presentations, concluding with a final assignment in which participants critically reflect on the interplay between religion, culture, and society

Course leader

Hayriye Busgut

Target group

Enrolled as an undergraduate student or holder of an undergraduate diploma, including those pursuing advanced studies or professional careers.

This course is suitable for bachelor-level students from any field of study. A general interest in religion, culture, history, or the humanities will help students engage more deeply with the material, but no formal background in theology or religious studies is expected. Basic academic reading skills in English and a willingness to participate in discussions are sufficient

Course aim

By the end of the course, the following learning outcomes are expected for students:
• Define and compare Western and Islamic understandings of “religion” and explain why these definitions matter
• Analyze the main domains regulated by religion (God-human, human-self, society, environment) and how culture modulates these relationships
• Distinguish between culture and civilization, including subcultures, counter-cultures, and the historical emergence of civilization concepts
• Compare modern positivist (Western) civilization with a Qur’anic / Aristotelian / Eastern civilization model, particularly in relation to law, ethics, and social change
• Assess the dynamics of harmony and tension between religion and culture, drawing on secularization theory (e.g., Peter Berger) and cultural critique
• Critically examine the risks of conflating religion with local or national culture that may lead to misunderstandings or distortions of religious teaching
• Explore historical and contemporary case studies (e.g., Ottoman legal life, Andalusia) to reflect on models of pluralism and coexistence in multi-religious societies

Fee info

Apply before February 16 2026 to save 50 euros on this course! Offer applies to applications completed (paid) before the deadline