PTC6082 - Freedom of Speech

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories of the relation between religion and the state.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the contested nature of concepts such as: freedom of speech; human rights; toleration; justice, and secularisation.
Demonstrate an ability to analyse personal and political behaviors and attitudes, including their own, in the light of complex ethical debates.
Negotiate and refine an appropriate format for presenting their findings and arguments to agreed standards and in a striking and persuasive manner.

Content:

The module is organised around the issues connecting freedom of speech and blasphemy. This fraught area illustrates a range of possible faultlines in the relation between religion and the state. In recent times public controversy, for example within Europe, has attended the display of religious symbols; the wearing of the clothing, such as hijab; the response to perceived blasphemy in publications and images; and the right to withold commercial services on religious grounds. Issues of hate speech and taking offence will also be considered.

Students first explore ways in which a selected topic has been framed and analysed within the discipline of global politics and then these academic analyses are related to case studies that demonstrate the complex and contested nature of the social and ethical issues involved.

Through this lens, this course will offer an overview of the various debates around, and theorisations of the nature of secularism and the role of religion in the public sphere, and the nature of speech in relation to key aspects of identity (gender; nationality; race; and class).

Learning and Teaching Information:

Seminars/workshops will be the principal modes of delivery. Learning will be supported by material and resources placed on Moodle in advance of each session, and by 'directed activities': preparation and reading before each seminar as directed by the tutors. The focus of the classes will be on student-led discussion and debate, and the discussions of pre-structured case studies and debates will drive the engagement with the key texts and contemporary criticism.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 32
Intended Group Size: 50

Guided independent study
Hours: 168

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Case Study: the case study form of assessment has been chosen for its ability to synthesise practical, professional, and academic viewpoints in order to frame a social topic in the context of national and international political significance. This case study connects general principles about free speech to a specific 'hard' case.

Assessment 2 - Individual presentation: This assessment tests for the ability to research the topic outlined in assessment 1 and to present a sophisticated argument in a way that balances scholarly integrity with a creative and striking presentation format. This presentation expands upon the general issues and also deepens them through application to a set of different 'hard' cases focused on a particular aspect of free speech

Assessment:

001 Case Study; 2,000 words; Mid-Semester Two 50%
002 Individual Presentation; 10 Minutes; End of Semester Two 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Kostas Maronitis
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S2

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