L57 RelPol 425

Law, Religion, and Politics

Spring 2023, T/W 2:30–5:20PM

This course will explore the role of religious argument in politics and law through the work of legal scholars, theologians, and political theorists.

WUCRSL

What is the role of religious argument in politics and law? What kinds of arguments are advanced, and how do they differ from one another? Are some of these arguments more acceptable than others in a liberal democracy? This course will explore these questions through the work of legal scholars, theologians, and political theorists. Our topics include the nature of violence and coercion in the law, constraints on public reason, the relationship between religion and government, and the nature of religious practice and tradition.

Course history:

  • Fall 2017: taught by Prof. John Inazu
  • Fall 2019: taught by Prof. John Inazu
  • Fall 2021: taught by Prof. John Inazu
  • Having the authors of the books we read visit class was great because it let us ask questions directly to them, meaning we could delve into certain topics in greater detail.

    — Fall 2019

  • Religion and Politics courses provide the best discussion space on campus, and John Inazu is one of the best discussion facilitators I've ever encountered. Come prepared to class and you will have a wonderful experience.

    — Fall 2019