The course introduces students to the issue of the emergence, development, and resolution of conflicts that carry religious or culturally conditioned arguments. Cultural and religious conflicts are presented on the level of personal relationships as well as social relationships between groups or communities, and also at the state or international level. Students are guided to understand that such differences may involve language, religion, ethnicity, traditions, values, behavioral norms, and other aspects. Emphasis is placed on an introduction to the basic characteristics of cultural and religious conflicts, including differing cultural values, divergent identities, and affiliations with different communities, territorial disputes, language differences, and religious distinctions, as well as associated discrimination, inequality, or political factors. Therefore, students are introduced to possible approaches to resolving such conflicts, which require sensitivity to cultural differences, the ability to engage in dialogue between the involved parties, and efforts to find mutual understanding and peaceful solutions. As the analysis of cultural conflicts is addressed by numerous experts and institutions, especially in the fields of international relations, sociology, ethnology, anthropology, and of course theology and religious studies, the course will also be taught by academics from various disciplines. Course Content: Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue: Definitions Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue: Context Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue: Objectives History of Interreligious Dialogue: Antiquity, Middle Ages, and Modern Period History of Interreligious Dialogue: The 20th Century Issues of the Concepts of Religion and Spirituality The Influence of Non-Christian Religions on Christian Spirituality and Lifestyle Limits of Interreligious Dialogue and Conflict Topics Analysis of Selected Case Studies of Cultural and Religious Communication Conflicts with Regard to Conflict Theory Intercultural Communication and Its Potential in Conflict Resolution Case Study I Case Study II
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