Approach to the course and discussion guidelines

This course looks at state-religion relations in different parts of the world. After reviewing how such models may emerge out of different historical processes, it urges students to configure what they regard as the best possible model.

How is this course structured? The content modules of this course explore central questions concerning governance of religion, such as: Why is religion and religious diversity often seen as a problem today? What are the dominant models for governing religion in Europe? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How are state-religion relationships regulated in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa)? How is religion and religious diversity governed in South and Southeast Asia? What can be learned from European and Asian experiences in dealing with religious diversity?

We strive to keep the comments in this course open and inviting to many views and opinions. Towards that goal, please remind yourself of FutureLearn’s Code of Conduct and consider it as you interact with others in the course. Comments that break the Code of Conduct may be hidden and any learners who repeatedly break the Code of Conduct would be suspended.

In particular, we ask that you:

• Stay on topic – all contributions to a discussion should be relevant to its stated purposes.

• Provide appropriate explanatory context for any links that you include.

• Challenge ideas and opinions, but refrain from attacks against groups or individuals.

• Ask relevant questions about the complexity of topics discussed, but do not contribute comments that are disrespectful or spread misleading or historically inaccurate information.

• Finally, if you read any comments that you think might have broken the Code of Conduct, please help the community by flagging them to the FutureLearn moderators for review.

Discussion feedback The EUI and GREASE team will do its best to review learners’ comments. Although we may not be able to resolve each and every issue and question that you raise, we’ll be reviewing them frequently and will try to address as many as we can, focusing on the most recurrent ones.