Course Number: MA-TH 628
Course Title: Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue: Theories & Practices
Instructor: Engin Sezen
Term: Fall Year: 2017
Day: Tuesday, Time: 9 am – 11: 50 am.
Classroom: BA431
Instructor contact phone: (519) 721 1925
WLU email: seze6580@mylaurier.ca
Instructor office hours: TBA
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Today, interfaith & intercultural dialogue is imperative for a peaceful co-existence. The current
diverse situation requires a constructive dialogue among cultures and societies to resolve
conflicts of power and worldview. This course explores various aspects of interfaith &cultural
relations in contemporary Canadian context with some emphasis on Abrahamic traditions. It
offers an introduction to religion, faith, and cultural diversity, as well, and it offers a real life
opportunities for students to engage with these diverse contexts in living communities of KW.
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COURSE FORMAT
This course will meet once a week, Tuesdays, for three hours. During class time, the instructor
will lecture and discuss the subject of the week in the first half, and the students will discuss the
readings and present the themes, do group activities in the second half.
For the two assignments, outside of class time the student will participate intercultural and
interfaith activities.
REQUIRED READING
Books:
1- Balmer H., Brice: Meeting Our Multifaith Neighboors, (Waterloo, Herald Press, 2006).
2- Bryant, Darrol: Muslim Christian Dialogue: Promise and Problems (St. Paul: Paragon
House, 1998).
3- Born, Paul: Deepening Community: Finding Joy Together in Chaotic Times, ( San
Francisco: Berret-Koehler Publishers, 2011).
Articles:
1- The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of the World Order: Huntington, Samuel
1996, New York: Touchstone Books.
2- Principles and Guidelines for Interfaith Dialogue:
https://www.kings.uwo.ca/kings/assets/File/academics/centres/cjcml/PGID%20How%20to%20Dialogue.pdf
3- http://www.dialoguesociety.org/publications/Dialogue-Theories-Preview.pdf
4- A Church in Dialogue: http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/Nostra_Aetate__50th_Anniversary.pdf
5- A Journey Together:
https://www.pobal.ie/Publications/Documents/A%20Journey%20Together%20%20Cois%20Tine%20-%202013.pdf
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WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Academic Integrity:
Assignments will be checked for plagiarism through MyLS using Turnitin.com. In conversation
with your instructor alternate arrangements can be arranged if you choose not to submit your
essay through this system. Such a conversation should happen at least one week prior to the due
date of the assignment.
Unless otherwise stated, the Seminary follows Wilfrid Laurier University’s established policy
with respect to academic integrity and misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, cheating) on assignments
and examinations. The student is required to know these guidelines. Students are cautioned
that in addition to a failure in the course, a student may be suspended or expelled from the
University for cheating and the offence may appear on one’s transcript, in which event the
offence can have serious consequences for one’s business or professional career.
Student Code of Conduct and Discipline
http://legacy.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=2505&p=11452
Writing Centre Handouts and Websites (general)
http://legacy.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=306&p=3115
Writing Centre statement and resources on Academic Integrity
http://legacy.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=306&p=24249
How not to plagiarize (U of T)
http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/using-sources/how-not-to-plagiarize
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If you have any questions about academic integrity, please ask the instructor.
Part of the writing experience in an academic environment is learning to use your sources
properly. For all assignments, you are expected to provide proper referencing. Failure to provide
proper referencing may result in a grade of zero. Improper referencing can be identical to
plagiarism (there are various forms of plagiarism). Here are some important guidelines:
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If you use someone else’s words, even if it is just a phrase, you must put it in quotation
marks to show these are not your own words, and include the reference.
You must reference someone else’s ideas as well as quotations, not just quotations. If in
doubt, reference!
You must provide the reference immediately following the sentence containing the
pertinent information, not just at the end of the paragraph.
You must provide a bibliography and references for all assignments, unless otherwise
noted by the instructor.
Late Submissions/Extensions
Students who cannot meet an assignment deadline are required to communicate with the course
instructor in writing (i.e., email); this consultation must occur before the assignment is due and
during the normal workweek.
Extensions
Normally, the only acceptable reasons for an extension for assignments (with no penalty) is
serious illness or extreme compassionate circumstances (documentation may be required).
Late Submissions
Students are expected to plan accordingly to meet the assignment deadlines. If you have
consulted with the professor and arranged for your assignment to be handed in late, there will be
a penalty applied to the assignment. Late assignments handed in within 72 hours of the original
due date will be penalized 5% of the assignment grade. Assignments handed in after 72 hours but
within one week of the original due date will be penalized 10% of the assignment grade.
Assignments will not be accepted beyond one week after the original due date.
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If you have not consulted with the professor and arranged for your assignment to be handed in
late, the penalty will be 5% per day (including weekends and holidays), and will not be accepted
beyond one week after the original due date.
Students are expected to use inclusive language in this course.
Please refer to the Laurier Style Guide for additional questions of writing style specific to the
Canadian context: http://legacy.wlu.ca/documents/4/2007-Style_Guide.pdf
Student Evaluation & Dates:
1. Paper – 20% Due September 26, 2017 at the beginning of class. Length 3-5 pages
Visit an Intercultural & Interfaith event. Make observations, identify intercultural exchanges,
briefly interview with participants. Write a report of your visit & reflection paper.
1. Paper – 10% Due October 24, 2017, Book Review. Length: 3-4 pages.
2. Paper – 30 % Due October 31, 2017 at the beginning of class. Length: 3-5 pages
Make an appointment with a faith or community leader and interview with her/him. After the
interview, write an analytical review.
3. Group or individual presentation- 30 % November, 14, 21, 28.
The students will make small groups, two-three students, or individual presentations about the
selected issues; such as challenges, promises, key concepts, or theories of Intercultural &
Interfaith dialogue. Each presentation will be in the class and take 25-30 minutes and including
10 minutes Q & A. The students will submit the Power Point slides of the presentation to the
instructor.
4. Class Participation: 10 % (10% of which will be based on the student’s facilitation
of the weekly readings).
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Students are expected to attend the class on the time, read the required reading materials, and
participate in the class activities and discussions.
Students will each take a turn facilitating discussion of the weekly reading.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM & PREREQUISITES
This course is elective and a Special Topics in Biblical Theology. There is not prerequisite for
this course.
PROGRAM AND INSTITUTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Where spirituality accompanies academic curiosity to inspire lives of service and meaning in
God’s world.
The BA in Christian Studies and Global Citizenship engages students at the intersection of faith
and citizenship – both local and global – in service of the common good.
The faith-based community at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary understands itself as a host for a
variety of inclusive dialogues, inside and outside of the classroom. We invite students to
participate in this dialogue, fostering respect for one another and curiosity about viewpoints that
are unlike one’s own.
Basic rules of civility are expected of students. These are means by which we show respect for
one another and the subject matter. Among them, the most obvious deserve mention: show up
on time, be prepared for class discussion, show regard for others both within the classroom and
without, and recall that one speaker at a time facilitates meaningful conversation.
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COURSE PHILOSOPHY
Intercultural and Interfaith dialogue consists of extensive knowledge, respect, meaningful
interaction and exchange between people of different groups who come together through various
kinds of conversations or activities with a view to increased understanding.
Dialogue between followers of different faiths and cultures gives us the opportunity to talk to
and listen to each other, getting to know and learning to understand “the other”.
COURSE OUTCOMES
The aim of the course is to equip the students with the knowledge, appreciation, and the skills to
engage effectively in and lead meaningful dialogue advancing intercultural and interfaith
interaction, community cohesion, and pro-active citizenship.
This course examines and evaluates theories of dialogue, and carry them forward with
appropriate adaptations and innovations.
This course aims:
To learn theories and key concepts of Intercultural & Interfaith Dialogue,
To seek and welcome the gift of diversity and peaceful co-existence,
To develop a better understanding of and respect the differences among religions, traditions, and
cultures
To value constant positive action and attitude based on universal values such as love, respect,
mercy, and compassion, which are crucial for a healthy dialogue in diverse Canadian context,
To respect the uniqueness of each religion & culture, and differences of practice or belief,
To create an awareness of local resources of Intercultural & Interfaith.
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GRADING
a) WLU and WLS use a letter-grade system which is found in the Academic Calendar as well as
in the Student Handbook. For students in all undergraduate programs, the lowest passing final
grade for the course is 50%.
For students in a master’s-level program, the lowest passing final grade for the course is 70%.
b) In cases where the student wishes to discuss or dispute the grade given, an appointment should
be made with the instructor without delay (normally within one week of receipt of the grade).
After conversation the instructor will re-read the paper. In cases where the instructor discovers
an error or believes that the student was graded unjustly, a new grade will be assigned. The new
grade may be higher or lower than the original. If the student is not satisfied, the grade for the
course may be petitioned in accordance with Seminary policy.
c) Students who need help in developing research and writing skills should consult the instructor
and the WLU Writing Centre.
d) As stated in the Ontario Human Rights Code, “Every person has a right to equal treatment
with respect to services, goods, and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry,
place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, same-sex
partnership status, family status or disability” (2004 Annotated Ontario Human Rights Code, p.
14). Waterloo Lutheran Seminary is committed to upholding these principles as they apply to the
provision of academic services. Students requesting accommodations due to a special need or
disability have the responsibility to contact Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre before the start
of term to create an Accommodation Plan that will be forwarded to the instructor. Students are
encouraged to review the Seminary website for information regarding all services available on
campus.
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COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK 1: September, 12
Religious Diversity in the Canadian Context
What is Dialogue? Why Dialogue: The objectives of Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue
Readings:
1- The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of the World Order: Huntington, Samuel
1996, New York: Touchstone Books.
2- Principles and Guidelines for Interfaith Dialogue:
https://www.kings.uwo.ca/kings/assets/File/academics/centres/cjcml/PGID%20How%20to%20Dialogue.pdf
3- Between Memory and Present Aspirations: Canadian Identities and Religious Diversity:
http://canada.metropolis.net/events/ethnocultural/publications/mem_pres_asp_e.pdf
WEEK 2: September, 19
Intercultural Dialogue theories and its key concepts and issues.
Interfaith literacy.
Intercultural education.
Readings:
1- http://www.dialoguesociety.org/publications/Dialogue-Theories-Preview.pdf
2- Deepening Community: Chapters: 1,2,3,4.
WEEK 3: September, 26
Inter texts: The Bible, The Torah. And The Quran (Theories of Interfaith Dialogue)
Historical basis of Dialogue: Historical examples, practices and challenges of Abrahamic
dialogue.
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Paper – 30% Due September 26, 2017 at the beginning of class
Readings:
1- Muslim- Christian Dialogue: Part 1.
2- Interfaith Dialogue in Islam: A Scriptural Scrutiny: Md. Sanaullah, Department of
Islamic Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
3- Ahmad Husni Haji Hasan: An Islamic Perspective of the Interfaith Dialogue amidst
Current Inter-religious Tensions Worldwide
WEEK 4: October, 3
Talking about religion and culture:
A Canadian with multiple identities: Religious identity, social identity, cultural identity, and
personal identity in Canadian context.
Meeting Our Multifaith Neighboors
Readings:
1- Meeting Our Multifaith Neighbors: 1,2,3
October, 10-13 STUDY BREAK
WEEK: 5: October, 17.
Social responsibility: Religion & the Institutions
Changing demographics.
Readings:
1- Meeting Our Multifaith Neighboors, 4,5,6,7
2- Muslim- Christian Dialogue: Part 2
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3- Who Is My Neighbor: https://www.councilofchurches.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2013/12/Who-is-my-neighbour-English-version.pdf
WEEK 6: October, 24.
Religious extremism: A thread to interfaith dialogue.
Clash of civilization.
Readings:
1- Religious Extremism: http://calgaryherald.com/storyline/religious-extremism-hasbecome-the-top-motive-for-canadian-terrorism-according-to-an-academic-studyprepared-for-public-safety-canada
2- Extremism is Motivated by Jihadist: http://nationalpost.com/g00/news/canada/extremismmotivated-by-jihadist-beliefs-top-source-of-canadian-terrorism-since-2010-studysays/wcm/cb68b285-f752-4763-ad3a0a38d298cc4c?i10c.referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F
3- The Growing Terror Threat of Right-Wing: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/juliushaag/right-wing-extremism_b_14629734.html
WEEK 7: October, 31
Intercultural conflicts and issues of postmodern times: Talking about anti-Semitism, anti-Christ,
and Islamophobia.
Paper – 30 % Due October 31, 2017 at the beginning of class. Length: 3-5 pages
Readings:
1- Brief History of Antisemitism in Canada:
http://museeholocauste.ca/app/uploads/2017/01/brief-history-antisemitism-canada.pdf
2- Islamophobia and Canadians: http://www.macleans.ca/society/too-many-canadians-dontrecognize-the-islamophobia-in-their-country/
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WEEK 8: November, 7.
Living interfaithfully: Islam & Christianity dialogue (Guest speaker: Ahmet Tamirci)
Readings:
1- A Church in Dialogue: http://www.cccb.ca/site/images/stories/pdf/Nostra_Aetate__50th_Anniversary.pdf
2- A Journey Together:
https://www.pobal.ie/Publications/Documents/A%20Journey%20Together%20%20Cois%20Tine%20-%202013.pdf
WEEK 9: November, 14
Living interfaithfully: Judaism & Christianity dialogue (Guest speaker: TBA)
Group & individual presentations starts: 30 % November, 14, 21, 28.
Readings:
1- The Jews & Christian Dialogue: http://www.lasalle.org/wpcontent/uploads/pdf/mel/cahier_mel/13cahier_mel_en.pdf
2- “Jewish-Christian Dialogue and the Theology of Religions”:
http://www.notredamedesion.org/doc/Jewish-Christian%20DialogueRutishauser.pdf
3- Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Their Religions:
http://www3.nd.edu/~reynolds/nehc20624/Waardenburg%20Jews,%20Christians%20and%20Muslims.pdf
4- The Impact of the Jewish-Christian Dialogue upon Theological Thought:
https://www.rabbidavidrosen.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/The-Impact-of-the-JewishChristian-Dialogue-on-Theological-Thought.pdf
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WEEK 10: November, 21
Living Interfaithfully: Islam & Judaism dialogue (Guest speaker: TBA)
Readings:
1- Jews and Muslims in Conversation: http://www.isna.net/wpcontent/uploads/2016/08/children_of_abraham.pdf
2- Meeting Our Multifaith Neighbors: 4,5,6,7
3- Building Bridges Between Jews & Muslims:
http://www.cjnews.com/news/canada/building-bridges-between-jews-and-muslims
WEEK 11: November, 28
Community & Community Development practices: Faith, Peace building, and Intra and Intercommunity dialogue in KW
Field trip.
Readings:
1- An Exploration of the Resources Within the Abrahamic Tradition for Peacemaking:
http://abrahamicfaithspeacemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/For-One-GreatPeace-Study-Guide.pdf
WEEK 12: November28
Celebrating commonality in our diversity and building capacity for dialogue: Best practices in
the region of Waterloo.
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Waterloo Lutheran Seminary is committed to addressing gendered and sexual violence. We
follow Laurier’s gendered and sexual violence policies and procedures, and suggest
supports if you have experienced it.