Block description

This block provides an understanding of the interplay between religious literacy and the global governance of health. The block is designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of religious/spiritual influences on health practices, policy-making, and health communication in a globalized world. The block concludes with exam workshops where students present group work. These presentations allow students to demonstrate their understanding of how religious literacy can enhance global health governance. By the end of this block, students will have a broad understanding of the crucial role religious literacy plays in global health governance. They will be equipped to engage with diverse religious contexts around the world to improve health outcomes and develop culturally sensitive health policies and practices.

Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and seminars, students will develop an understanding of how religious beliefs, practices, and coping mechanisms influence health behaviors, health policies, and medical practices worldwide. The block emphasizes a macro-meso-micro progression, moving from global religious trends to specific case studies, and culminates in group presentations. By the end of the block, students will be equipped to critically engage with religious dynamics in healthcare settings and contribute to culturally sensitive health governance.

Teachers:
Daniel Enstedt: daniel.enstedt@lir.gu.se

Elin Thorsén: elin.thorsen@lir.gu.se

Literature and reading instructions

Please note that many lectures have a fairly extensive reading list. This does not mean you need to read all the literature before each lecture. For the seminars, focus on the specific task assigned to each one, and read the designated literature with the goal of answering the posed questions, as well as gaining an understanding of the seminar's topic and theme. The literature mentioned for each lecture is intended to deepen and broaden your understanding of the lecture material and will provide useful ideas for the exam workshop and examination.

This means that you don’t need to read all of the literature equally; instead, read selectively based on your own and your group’s interests. However, when answering the exam questions, it should be clear that you have engaged with the relevant parts of the literature. We will discuss this further during the introduction to this block.

Introducing Religious Literacy and Global Governance of Health

Date: March 3, 13-16

Room: J335

Lecturer: Daniel Enstedt and Elin Thorsén

The block begins by examining the concept of religious literacy and its significance in the governance of global health. This lecture also explores global religious trends, religious change, and their impact on global health initiatives and policy development.

Literature: Levin (2020, chapter 1 & 8),PEW Research Center (2015), Paloutzian & Park (2013, chapter 2, 7, 17 & 18

PPT Introduction

Introduction block 3 MGH201.pdf

Check out this short movie about religious literacy: