Baptism at Crossroads (GFR334G)

How do social changes affect religion and religious traditions?  How can these changes be detected in Nordic countries in the first decades of the 21^st century? In the course students will look at baptism from the perspective of these changes and consider qualitative and quantitative surveys.  They will explore how Nordic majority churches have responded to the changes, both when it comes to the ritual itself and the conversation with the larger public including ecotheological and ecumenical challenges.  

Islam in Past, Present and Future (TRÚ003G)

Is Islam the biggest threat that the world faces today? Every day, headline news reports on violence in the Muslim World. Is there something in this faith that makes it so newsworthy? And how did it get that way? This course will consider the political and cultural history of Islam and the development of its major institutions and ideas. The emergence of the religion will be explored with special attention to the Prophet Muhammad's life and career. The Qur'an's central message will be considered. What world view does it promote and what is its concept of justice? How does the Qur'an propose to solve contemporary problems? Does it/should it have relevance today? We will also explore the role of Sharia with special attention to the status of women. A major component of this course will be to evaluate Islam in today's world especially the emergence of radical Islamist groups such as al-Qaeda and the experience of Muslim minorities in Western societies. We will explore whether it is possible or feasible to intertwine Islam with our modern societies. Finally, in light of Islam's past, we will speculate about its possible future trajectories.  Students will write a 10-12 page paper and keep an online journal during the semester.

Introduction to the Old Testament (GFR104G)

A Survey of the History of Israel in Old Testament times. The Faith of the OT depicted in terms of historical development, but also in relation to the social, politacal and religious situation in the contemporary peoples and cultures of the Ancient Near East. The origin and the main characteristics of the individual books of the OT discussed. The afterlife of some OT texts also discussed.

Christian Denominationas (GFR116G)

What is the field of Church Denominations and how does one distinguish between church, denomination and congregation? What is ecumenism? What is the academic contribution of World Christianity and Missiology to Church Denominations? What is the history of church denominations, and how do they branch out and unite? What is common to the denominations? The course addresses dogmas, organization, issues and practices of majority churches and movements in the world. The course discusses the work of church denominations in Iceland and the development of legislation regulating religious communities. Finally, the course discusses the relations between World Christianity, ecumenical bodies and mission in and between church denominations.

Introduction to Christian Theology (GFR204G)

The aim of this course is to provide a historical overview of Christian thought. A special emphasis will be on the formation of creedal texts as well as the history and characteristics of various denominations.

Introduction: History of Christianity (GFR117G)

The topic of this course is the history of the Christian religion from the beginning to our times. The course is an introductory and overview course and will, on the basis of recent research, discuss the most significant characteristics of the main periods in the history of the Christian religion. In its survey, it will proceed chronologically, i.e. moving from the early Christian period through history to the modern era. The course will also explore particular themes appearing in different historical and cultural contexts. The themes are 1) orthodoxy and heresy, 2) the Christian religion and violence, 3) the formation of historical secularities, 4) monastic movements. Although the course will center on the dispersion and development of the Christianity in Europe, its spread will be discussed from a global perspective as well. Theoretically and methodologically, the course belongs to the discipline of the history of religon.

The Cult of Saints in Medieval Northern Europe (SAG447G)

Saints were central to medieval social, religious, and political life. Indeed, local Nordic saints’ cults mirrored an older continental tradition, emphasizing the connectivity of the Nordic lands to the wider Christian world. As such, the study of saints in the medieval North gives us a unique and important picture of cultural, religious, and literary exchange with medieval Christendom. Although Christianization in Scandinavia and Iceland happened quite late (ninth- to eleventh-centuries), the historical record reflects a Nordic society that participated fully in Christian practices from the continent, while also adapting texts and rituals to fit the local society.
The course will illuminate the narratives of Christianization, sainthood, heroism, and nationalism via the study of saints’ lives. A great focus will be placed on questioning the boundaries of genre, nationalities, and religions in the context of the Middle Ages.

Reading the Daodejing – an Exegetical Approach to the Daoist Classic (KÍN502G)

The philosophical and religious classic Daodejing will be read chapter by chapter with the objective of understanding the text in light of the philosophical and religious teachings of Daoism. The main rendering of the text to be used is the bilingual Icelandic translation by Ragnar Baldursson, Ferlið og dygðin, but other translations, interpretations and discussions will also be consulted. A reading comprehension of Chinese is certainly an advantage but not a condition for participation in the course.

The New Testament in Modern Society: Impact, Approach, and Application (GFR331G)

What impact does the New Testament have today? Is it good or bad? How should we approach religious texts like the writings of the New Testament that belong to an entirely different paradigm in terms of knowledge? What value and benefits can and should such texts have today? These are the general core questions that students in this course will address, on the basis of a number of New Testament texts that relate to select contemporary issues. Special attention is paid to social issues and questions of human rights that biblical texts have or have had an impact on, for better or for worse. Various aspects of fundamentalism in biblical interpretation will be addressed in search for appropriate academic responses to such approaches. Students will also address the question of the value and benefits of the New Testament in our society, whether for individuals or in a professional context, for instance, related to social welfare or pastoral care.

Indian Culture and Society I (HIN201G)

The primary aim is to familiarize the students with India’s physical and cultural heritage. Given the diversity of the country, this paper would only be giving an overview. For this course, extensive use of Audio-Visuals shall be made, and the approach will be primarily interactive. Learners shall be provided with a vast reservoir of reading material and notes specific to every topic.

Topics to be covered:

1. India´s physical profile and the landmark destinations
2. Temple architecture
3. Festivals of India
4. Ayurveda Part I
5. Ayurveda Part II
6. Spices of India

The course is held over a 6-week session in the first half of the autumn semester, twice a week for 80 minutes, 4:40 – 6:10 PM.

History of the Middle East I (MAF101G)

This course surveys the history of the Middle East from ancient times to the medieval period. Topics include the emergence of Egypt and Sumerians and other peoples of the so-called 'cradle of civilization'. Special emphasis will be on the emergence of Islam in the seventh century, and ascent of the Islamic empire in the following centuries. Among the subjects discussed are the prophet Muhammad and his successors, the creation of the Quran, the Caliphates of the Ummayyads and the Abassids and the 'golden age' of Islam. Teaching language is Icelandic but reading materials are mostly in English.

Japanese Society and Culture I (JAP105G)

The aim of the course is to provide the students with an insight into various aspects of Japanese society and culture, both in the past and in the present. The course covers themes such as identity, education, religion, rituals and arts in Japan.

Areas of conflict - challenges of multiculturalism (SFG001G)

The main purpose of this course is conflict and conflict zones in the world with regard to opportunities and challenges which such topics provide in teaching. Participants will be introduced to ideas and issues of conflicts and relate these to geogarphical situations, history, culture and religion. Two or three areas will be selected for analysis. These could be Ireland and the Irish democacy, Israel and Palestine, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria and Turkey, together with areas that geogarphically can be difficult to define. The selection of topics will be made in consultance with participants which will, depending on circumstances, be related to Icelandic history and situation.

The course assignments will cover systematic search for information, suitable exposition of historical and geographical results and explanation of complex and delicate issues.

Final exam counts as 40%, but assignments and partial exams count as 60%. Participants have to attend 80% of classes. 
Further information is on CANVAS.

World Christianity: Histories and Futures of a Global Religion (GFR418G)

In 1900, nearly 80% of the world’s Christians were located in Europe and North America. By 2013, this number had dropped to less than 35% as church membership declined in Europe and the United States and grew dramatically in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In the course, students explore the historical events and trends behind this dramatic shift and consider their implications for the global church today and in the future.

Teacher: Leah Rumsey

Introduction to Theological Ethics (GFR201G)

This course discusses both theological and philosophical ethics. In the first half of the course the emphasis is on introducing dominant theories and concepts of western ethics. In the second half of the course special attention is given to the question: „What is life worth living?“ from diverse theoretical standpoints and worldviews.

The History of Early Christianity (GFR211G)

The course contains a discussion of the beginnings of Early Christianity as well as of its historical and ideological background. Special emphasis will be given to the roots of Christianity in early Judaism. Attention will also be paid to the ideological roots of Christianity in Hellenistic thought. Early Christian literature will be discussed with emphasis on a historical approach to the sources. Included is a general discussion of the nature and form of writings of this sort. In this way, a basis will be laid for a qualified interpretation of and research into Early Christian literature.

Al-Andalus: Muslims in Spain 711-1492 (MAF207G)

This course examines eight centuries of Muslim history in the Iberian Peninsula. Topics include: the Muslim conquest in 711, the emirate and its flourishing period in the following centuries, arts, literature, architecture and scholarship, the importance of the Arabic language and translations of Arabic works to Latin. We will also explore how European views on Islam and Muslims were in part shaped by their acquaintance with the Muslims in Spain, and how Christians managaed to win territory and ultimately claim dominance over the Iberian Peninsula. The course is taught in Icelandic.

A spiritual journey: Ukrainian and Russian Philosophy (RÚS413G)

The philosophical and religious tradition of the Eastern Church is distinct from the Roman Catholic tradition, which developed through scholarly activity in monasteries and universities during the Middle Ages and was closely connected to the intellectual currents that later led to major social changes in Western Europe. Within the Orthodox Churches, Neoplatonism always had a strong influence and directed religious thought more toward experience and expression than metaphysical analysis. However, the leading philosophers of the Orthodox Church in the Russian Empire in the nineteenth century were well-educated in Western philosophy, which resulted in the emergence, at the end of that century and the beginning of the twentieth, of a unique philosophical tradition grounded both in the spiritual emphasis of the Eastern Church and the rationalism of the West. This course offers a broad overview of this history of ideas and its most prominent thinkers, Ukrainian and Russian alike.

History of China I: From Mythological Origins to Late Ming (KÍN102G)

This course explores the history of China from the mythical Xia dynasty in the third millenium BCE to the beginning of the nineteenth century. It seeks to illuminate the most important factors in the formation of Chinese culture as well as to explain individual events in the political and social development of the Chinese nation. An overview will be provided of the origin and development of the most important Chinese religious and philosophical streams of thought, notably Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. Influential individuals will be introduced. The interaction and mutual influence between non-Chinese groups and the Chinese nation in the course of history will be emphasised.

The History of Rome (SAG271G)

Introductory course on the history of Rome. Taught in Icelandic; please see full course description in Icelandic.

Indian Culture and Society II (HIN202G)

The primary aim is to familiarize the students with India’s social and cultural heritage. Given the diversity of the country, this paper would only be giving an overview of the popular learnings from the Vedas, Upanishads, and popular Itihasa. This paper shall also introduce the learner to the philosophy behind Yoga and chanting, and how they serve as tools for self-realization, self-empowerment, and their neurological benefits. For this course, extensive use of Audio-Visuals shall be made, and the approach will be primarily interactive. Learners shall be provided with a vast reservoir of reading material and notes specific to every topic.

Topics to be covered:

1. Learnings from the Vedas
2. Learnings from the Bhagavad Gita
3. Learnings from the Ramayana
4. Yog as a tool for self-realization and self-empowerment
5. Power of chanting
6. Spirituality and empowerment

The course is held over a 6-week session in the second half of the spring semester, twice a week for 80 minutes, 4:40 PM – 6:10 PM.

Religion and Magic (MAN329G)

In the course theories on religion in anthropology are examined and discussed as are different religious beliefs and practices. Topical focus is on the reading of symbols, the understanding of religious action and the historical dynamics of religion, as well as the intersection of religion, magic, and witchcraft.

Old Nordic Religion and Belief (ÞJÓ437G)

An examination will be made of the religious beliefs and practices of people in Scandinavia from the earliest of times until the conversion, material ranging from burial practices to rock carvings, to the written evidence given in the works of Tacitus, Adam of Bremen and Saxo Grammaticus, as well as in early Icelandic works like the Eddic poems and the Kings' sagas. Alongside this discussion of the development and key features of Old Norse religion, some attention will be paid to the concepts of seid and shamanism, especially in connection to their role in early religions. Finally, an examination will be made of the conversion of Scandinavia and how Christian concepts and practices both fitted and contrasted with the previously dominant Old Norse worldview.

Teaching form:
The teaching takes place in the form of lectures and discussion on the material of the lectures.

Religious education and diversity (SFG003G)

The course is about religion and religious education in a multicultural society. The students will get basic knowledge about the major religions of the world and how to prepare teaching and learning in religious education in the elementary school. They are also trained in discussing issues and questions about religion and view of life.

The content of the course is religion, religious experience, the search for meaning and the main concepts of religious studies. The value of religions for individuals and societies will be discussed and their impact on the shaping of identities, values and understanding of life. The major religions of the world will be explored, i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other religions and secular worldviews. Also the role of religion nowadays, new religious movements, multiculturalism and pluralism, prejudice and tolerance.

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussion groups, field study and papers on religion and teaching and learning in religious studies. The course is planned for both regular and distance students.

Chinese Religion (KÍN614G)

This course will begin by discussing the unique characteristics of Chinese religions that distinguish them in particular from the Abrahamic religious traditions. Subsequently, the course will move to its principal topic, i.e. the religions that have developed within Chinese culture, in particular Daoism, Chinese Buddhism (e.g. chan 禪, tiantai 天台 and jingtu 淨土) as well as popular Chinese religion influenced by Confucianism. Some basic writings of these religions will be accessed in order to understand their main teachings but the focus will be on their contemporary manifestations, rituals and social status in the People‘s Republic of China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and elsewhere. Lastly, as much as time allows, the course will discuss some recent syncretic Chinese movements such as Tiandi Jiao 天帝, Falun Gong 法輪功 and Cao Dai in Vietnam, as well as consider non-Chinese religious traditions that have taken firm roots in China such as Islam and Christianity.

Historical and Archaeological Approaches to Icelandic Medieval History (FOR205G)

This course offers a perspective of the history of Iceland from the ninth to the sixteenth century from a historical and archaeological viewpoint. Among themes which will be explored are the Viking Age and research on this period, the settlement of Iceland and its development, the organization of a new society , identities and economic development, Christianization, political conflict and the introduction of executive power in the thirteenth century. In the latter half of the course the focus is on the Church and its economic, political and cultural influence. This will be discussed in view of the general historiography of the period, technical and material developments and the international context. An emphasis is placed on familiarity with primary sources, both written and archeological. Teaching consists of lectures and discussion classes.

Cicero: On the Nature of the Gods (KLM406G)

M. Tullius Cicero is no doubt of of the most important as well as one of the most influential Latin prose authors. In this course we will read from his De natura deorum (On the Nature of the Gods), which contains discussions concerning philosophical theories about the nature of divinity. Passages will be read from the 2nd book of De natura deorum which contains a discussion concerning the Stoic theory of divinity. Passages will be read in the original language, translated and analysed grammatically as well as materially.

History of the Middle East II (MAF203G)

This course is a continuation of the course History of the Middle East I, which is however not a prerequisite for this course. It is possible to take both courses or either one. Here we will address the development of the Middle East since 1300, especially its relationship with the West. Among subjects discussed will be the rise of the Ottomans and the Safavids, European colonialism and its effects on Middle Eastern culture and politics, the rise of nationalism and the emergence of modern states, and several conflicts that have shaped and continue shaping the region until this day. Teaching language is Icelandic but reading materials are mostly in English.