Subject | Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Learning

Understanding Religion

What role does religion play in preventing war and promoting peace in different parts of the world? This course examines how religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto can help prevent conflict and promote peace.

Content/学習内容

  • Multiple Aspects of Religion

    Learn about some of the characteristics of what is described as religion and ways to approach the study of religion.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Learn how to prepare ourselves when studying religion. Events related to religion are complex. We must be careful not to try to understand them too quickly, to simplify them, or to understand them with prejudice or preconceptions.

    • Lecture

      Learn how religion is defined. Then consider: (1)Is religion something to believe or to practice? (2) Is religion something personal or social? (3) Is religion something visible or invisible?

    • Discussion

      The relationship of religion to issues of violence and peace is as complex, varied and multifaceted as religion itself. We need to understand and reflect on each case in detail. One way to do this is through the study of religion.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • What is Judaism?

    Understand the history, scriptures, and religious practices of Judaism. Find out about the connection between Jews and Judaism.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Understand the importance of learning about Judaism without prejudice through an introduction to the research history of the lecturer, Prof. Ichikawa. Also discover how the Jewish way of life is related to Judaism.

    • Lecture

      Understand the basics of Judaism. Learn about the definition of a Jew, the history of Judaism and its holy scriptures, and how Judaism is based on divine sacred law.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the connection between Christianity and Judaism. Also learn about Jewish messianic beliefs and armed revolts under Roman rule, as well as Jews in times when they had no state or armed forces.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Hiroshi ICHIKAWA

      Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Judaism, Peace and Conflict

    Learn about the relationship between Jews, Judaism, and peace/conflict since the founding of the State of Israel.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Learn the background of how the Jews, who had no state of their own, came to have a state of their own. Understand the history of Jewish emancipation in modern Europe, as well as anti-Semitism and Zionism.

    • Lecture

      Learn about the relationship between the establishment of a Jewish state, conflict, and peace. Learn about the history and ideologies that led to the foundation of Israel, as well as the history of war and peacemaking with surrounding areas.

    • Discussion

      Reflect on the present and future of the State of Israel. Deepen our understanding of the relationship between Judaism and the modern state, and the possibility of multicultural coexistence based on the diversity of Jews in Israel.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Hiroshi ICHIKAWA

      Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Basic Knowledge of Christianity

    Learn about the history and global spread of Christianity around the world, and the content of sacred texts and teachings.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Find out how Christianity has spread around the world today and the state of Christianity in Japan. Learn about the origins of Christianity, Jesus Christ, and various holidays.

    • Lecture

      Understand the basics of Christianity. Learn about the Old and New Testaments, Jesus, the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, beliefs, and the content of prayers.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the three major Christian denominations – Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Learn about the diversity of Christianity in the world today and the role it plays in society.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Akito ISHIKAWA

      Professor, Momoyama Gakuin University

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Christianity, War and Peace

    Learn how Christianity relates to both peace and conflict. Learn about the complex relationship between peace and conflict.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Learn that Christianity, which preaches peace, has been involved in war and violence throughout history. Understand that the relationship between religion and war/peace has varied due to different historical and regional backgrounds.

    • Lecture

      Learn about Christianity’s relationship to violence and peace. After reviewing the teachings of Jesus in the Bible, we will learn how Christianity has historically participated in and justified war and violence.

    • Discussion

      Views and attitudes toward war in Christianity today vary by region and denomination. Understand that the relationship between the two is complex, as peace can sometimes be pursued through violence.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Akito ISHIKAWA

      Professor, Momoyama Gakuin University

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Basic Knowledge of Islam

    Understand the history of Islam and its spread throughout the world, as well as the content of the scriptures and teachings.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Through an introduction to Dr. Goto’s research history, we will come to understand that Islam is a religion linked to everyday life, and that the ways in which it is practiced vary greatly depending on the region, the era, and the individual.

    • Lecture

      Understand the basics of Islam. Learn about the definition of “Islam,” the spread of Islam around the world, the Prophet Muhammad, and the sacred text, the Qur’an.

    • Discussion

      Understand that the relationship between Islam and other religions has changed over time due to historical and political circumstances. Also, understand that the interpretation of Islamic law is important in the practice of Islam.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Is Islam a religion of violence or peace?

    Learn about the relationship between Islam and war/peace. Understand the importance of thinking with a broad perspective, free from preconceptions.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Understand that Islam has an essence that has been shared throughout its history, as well as regional and temporal differences. Learn that legal interpretations, related practices, and values have changed and will continue to change in the future.

    • Lecture

      Understand the connection between Islam, conflict, and peace. While it is easy to focus on individuals who use scripture to justify acts of violence, it is important to remember that there are many moderates who interpret the same texts and strive for peace.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the categories of puritans (extremists) and moderates in Islam. Understand that these radical views should not be considered as the definitive essence of Islam.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • What is Hinduism?

    Understand the history and global spread of Hinduism, as well as the content of scripture and doctrine.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Through an introduction to the research history of the lecturer, Dr. Togawa, we learn that India has a rich culture and spirituality, but at the same time it faces many challenges, including the caste system and religious conflicts.

    • Lecture

      Learn the basics of Hinduism. Understand the religious situation in India and the origin of the concept of Hinduism. Gain an overview of the various gods and rituals, and understand the concept of reincarnation.

    • Discussion

      Understand the relationship between the growth of Hinduism in modern times and Indian nationalism. Learn how caste relates to Hinduism through real-life examples.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Masahiko TOGAWA

      Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Peace and Conflict from a Hindu Perspective

    Explore Hinduism’s relationship to war and peace. Learn about Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      We learn that the concept of ahimsa (non-killing) has long existed in Hinduism. We also learn that the concept of order is vital, and in some cases it is considered acceptable to achieve this through violence.

    • Lecture

      Learn about war and peace from a Hindu perspective through the teachings of Gandhi. Understand the history of India’s independence from Britain, religious conflict and nationalism, and the significance of Gandhi’s non-violence movement.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the relationship between Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and Hinduism. Understand its impact it had on global peace movements, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights struggle.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Masahiko TOGAWA

      Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Basic Knowledge of Buddhism

    Understand the history of Buddhism, its global spread, and the content of its scriptures and teachings.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Through an introduction to the research history of Dr. Yano, we will learn about the diversity of the Buddhist tradition. We will also understand the relationship between Theravada Buddhism and the state and its impact on people’s lives through the example of Thailand.

    • Lecture

      Gain a basic understanding of Buddhism. Learn about Shakyamuni as a historical figure and the Dharma as a teaching. Gain an overview of the spread of Buddhism throughout the world and understand its historical development and diversity.

    • Discussion

      Understand the history of Buddhist canons, their diversity, and their relationship to the teachings of the Buddha. Learn that the interpretation of Buddhist canons and the content of teachings vary according to time, region, and sect.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Hidetake YANO

      Professor, Komazawa University

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Buddhism, Conflict, Violence and Peace

    Learn about the relationship between Buddhism and war/peace. Understand the diversity of the relationship between religion and war/peace.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Learn that Buddhist precepts include prohibitions against killing and teachings of nonviolence, and that Buddhism developed in flexible interaction with other religions. Also learn that it has not been immune to violence and conflict.

    • Lecture

      Learn how Buddhism relates to both peace and conflict. After reviewing examples of Buddhist involvement in war from ancient times to the present, learn about Buddhist efforts to build peace and protest against war.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the different ideas and attitudes towards violence in Buddhism. Deepen your understanding of the current issues facing the peace movement and its future direction.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Hidetake YANO

      Professor, Komazawa University

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Perspective from India: The Difficulty and Possibility of Religious Pluralism

    Based on the case of modern India, we will explore the possibilities of coexistence between different religions, while also understanding the difficulties involved.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Through the research history of the lecturer, Dr. Tomizawa, we will learn about the attitudes and methodologies to be adopted in the study of other cultures. We will consider methods that go beyond simple Orientalist criticism and cultural relativism.

    • Lecture

      Learn about the difficult reality of religious coexistence in the case of modern India. After learning about the various social divisions and political issues facing modern Indian society, consider how better coexistence might be achieved.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the characteristics of modern India’s multi-religious policy by comparing it to other secularist countries. Gain a deeper understanding of how division and conflict in the contemporary world relate to colonial control and nationalism.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Kana TOMIZAWA

      Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Coexistence of Muslims and Buddhists

    Based on the example of a Thai village where different religions coexist and conversions are frequent, we will consider how religions can coexist.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Through an introduction to the research history of the lecturer, Dr. Nishii, we will gain an understanding of the research methods used in the anthropological study of religions. We will learn about the religious situation in Thailand, especially the diversity of the relationship between Buddhism and Islam.

    • Lecture

      Learn about the coexistence of different religions in the case of southern Thailand. Learn about the role of religion in people’s lives and social interactions in a place where conversions between Buddhists and Muslims are common.

    • Discussion

      Learn about the current state of the interaction between religion and life in the area covered by the lecture. Examine and analyze individual situations to gain a better understanding of multi-faith coexistence.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Ryoko NISHII

      Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Kana TOMIZAWA

      Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Religion and War in Modern Japan

    Learn about the relationship between the state, religion, and war in modern Japan.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Review the history of religion in Japan. Understand that there are major differences in the relationship between religion and the state before and after World War II, and learn how Yasukuni Shrine fits into this.

    • Lecture

      Discover the link between religion and war in modern Japan. Learn about Yasukuni Shrine’s history and position in the State Shinto system, as well as the link between religion and war in modern Japan.

    • Discussion

      Examine the idea of heroic men and soldiers being worshipped as gods, in the context of Japanese religious history. Also learn about the postwar history of Yasukuni Shrine and postwar political conservatism.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Susumu SHIMAZONO

      Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Emi GOTO

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

  • Towards Peace and Coexistence

    Provides an overview of the current state of religion in the modern world and envisions a future in which multiple religions coexist peacefully.

    Videos

    /学習動画

    • Introduction

      Contrary to the prediction that modernization would lead to the secularization of society, there has been a revival of religion. In this final session, we explore the importance of living together in harmony, even as the religious and secular sides often become mutually exclusive.

    • Lecture

      Learn about the relationship between religion and peace in post-war Japan. Discover that while there were movements to revive the State Shinto, various religions began to reflect on the past and participate in peace movements.

    • Discussion

      Religion still holds great power over people today. While it can be a source of division when combined with ethnocentrism and populism, we will explore ways to achieve peaceful coexistence for people of different backgrounds.

    Lecturers

    /講師

    • Susumu SHIMAZONO

      Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

    • Takao MARUYAMA

      Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

    • Kayoko Hayashi

      President, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Staff/スタッフ

    Takao MARUYAMA
    Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    Associate Professor
    Emi GOTO
    Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    Associate Professor
    Hiroshi ICHIKAWA
    The University of Tokyo
    Professor Emeritus
    Akito ISHIKAWA
    Momoyama Gakuin University
    Professor
    Masahiko TOGAWA
    Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    Professor
    Hidetake YANO
    Komazawa University
    Professor
    Kana TOMIZAWA
    The University of Tokyo
    Associate Professor
    Ryoko NISHII
    Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    Professor
    Susumu SHIMAZONO
    The University of Tokyo
    Professor Emeritus
    Kayoko Hayashi
    Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
    President

Competency/コンピテンシー

Course Objectives

The aim of this course is to develop students with a wide range of knowledge and perspectives who can work actively in the areas of peacebuilding and international contribution. The goal is for students to learn about religions and faiths and to be able to express their own thoughts on related contemporary issues.

Learning Outcomes

1) Expressing opinions: You can clearly convey your own views on religion, supported by evidence.
2) Using materials: You may properly understand the substance of materials and information on religion and utilize it as a foundation for debate.
3) Flexible perspective: You may consider the ideas and arguments of several points of view.
4) Developing arguments: You can clearly and rationally create your own beliefs in an understandable manner, supported by facts.

Contact/お問合せ先

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Office for International Affairs
tufs_pcs_ondemand@tufs.ac.jp

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