Religion and Education in the Middle East

Religious communities have long been providers of formal and informal education in the Middle East. This course explores how faith-based education from primary to college level contributes to sustainable development in the region. The history of religious engagement in education will come into view: which religious communities have established which institutions and structures, in which contexts and with which intentions? Theological, spiritual and ideological aspects of faith-based education will be discussed: what are the driving ideas and practices? Lastly, the specific contributions to sustainable development in the past, present and future will be explored: apart from SDG4, what do religiously established schools contribute to the promotion of peace, justice, climate action, poverty reduction, gender equality and possibly other issues? The course will be taught in English.