Religion in the Middle East and Africa 2100-MON-RBWA-OG

I. Introduction to the political science study of religion. Religion in international relations (IR) against the backdrop of IR in the MEA region. Religions and religiosity in the Middle East and Africa compared to the rest of the world. Eastern spirituality and African spirituality in relation to contemporary Western culture.

II. History of Judaism and the stages of development of the first monotheism (the beliefs of the Hebrews; Jewish religion after the destruction of the Temple — the "rebirth" and development of Rabbinic Judaism; the Torah and the Talmud; the history of religion in the diaspora; contemporary Judaism as illustrated by the Jewish Religious Community in Warsaw).

III. The origins of Islam and the religion's development in the world. The Quran, the pillars of Islam. Islam as a religion of state and law, and as the foundation of a civilisation. Tradition, beliefs, rituals, and customs. An encounter with Muslims living in Poland.

IV. The origins of Christianity and the stages of its development. The spirituality and tradition of Eastern Christianity through selected examples. The missionary character of Christianity and the development of new religious movements. Catholics in the Middle East and Africa.

V. Religions and spirituality in Africa — from traditional religions to Islam and Christianity. Traditional beliefs and their influence on contemporary Africa. Black Islam and Sufi brotherhoods. Religious syncretism and messianism. The transnationalism of evangelical movements. Religion and politics in Africa.

Field Study — Podlasie (24–25 October). A two-day field study to Podlasie, co-financed in large part from FDD funds, during which students have the opportunity to gain workshop-based familiarity with Judaism, Islam, and Eastern Christianity in their living regional context. Participation in the field study is equivalent to 12 teaching hours.

Workshops and Study Visits. POLIN Museum — a workshop on Judaism at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Warsaw (4 teaching hours). Possible visit to the Muslim Culture Centre in Ochota (4 teaching hours).

Term 2026Z:

Course coordinators

Anna Solarz

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom and field classes

Prerequisites (description)

Students enrolling in the course should have a foundational knowledge of contemporary history and of the theory and history of international relations, acquired through previously completed core courses (including History of International Relations, International Political Relations, and Political Geography), as well as demonstrate the ability to critically read academic and journalistic texts, including in a foreign language (English at B2 level).

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students achieve the following subject-level learning outcomes, referenced to the programme-level outcomes assigned to this course in the curriculum (K_W03, K_W05, K_W06, K_U01, K_U02, K_U04, K_U05, K_K01, K_K02):

Knowledge (W)

PW1 (ref. K_W03): Characterises the principal religious traditions of the Middle East and Africa (Judaism, Islam, Christianity, African traditional religions) and explains their roles in the regional and international balance of power.

PW2 (ref. K_W05): Explains the historical, socio-cultural, and political determinants of the relationship between religion and international relations in the MEA region, including the colonial legacy and contemporary geopolitical challenges.

PW3 (ref. K_W06): Describes the distinctive features of the religious landscape of the Middle East and Africa and identifies contemporary challenges arising from religious diversity (fundamentalism, syncretism, interreligious conflict, the role of religion in state-building).

Skills (U)

PU1 (ref. K_U01): Interprets political, cultural, and religious phenomena occurring in the Middle East and Africa, drawing on theoretical knowledge and empirical sources, including in a foreign language.

PU2 (ref. K_U02): Formulates coherent, substantively argued conclusions on a selected issue at the intersection of religion and politics in the MEA region, using the specialist terminology of international relations and religious studies.

PU3 (ref. K_U04): Plans and prepares a group research project on a selected religious or political issue in the region and presents findings to the seminar group, collaborating effectively with other participants.

PU4 (ref. K_U05): Independently organises their own work on the course's subject matter, including the selection and critical analysis of relevant literature and preparation for assessment.

Social Competences (K)

PK1 (ref. K_K01): Critically evaluates information and interpretations concerning religious phenomena in the Middle East and Africa drawn from a variety of sources (academic, media, and opinion).

PK2 (ref. K_K02): Recognises the importance of expert knowledge in the analysis of religion-and-politics issues in the MEA region and, in discussion and workshop settings, draws on specialist opinion and diverse research perspectives.

Assessment criteria

The following teaching methods are employed in the course, each addressing the subject-level learning outcomes assigned to this course:

Conversational lecture with multimedia presentation — outcomes addressed: PW1, PW2, PW3.
Moderated discussion based on assigned readings — outcomes addressed: PU1, PU4, PK1, PK2.
Group project method — group research project with presentation — outcomes addressed: PU2, PU3, PK2.
Case study analysis — outcomes addressed: PW1, PU1.
Field study and museum workshops (Podlasie; POLIN Museum) — outcomes addressed: PW1, PW2, PW3, PU1, PK1, PK2.

Formal Assessment Requirements

Permitted absences: a maximum of 3 absences per semester. Absences cannot be excused by a medical certificate; with the instructor's consent, a missed class may be made up by submitting written responses to questions relating to the missed session or by delivering a multimedia presentation. Participation in the Podlasie field study is equivalent to 12 teaching hours; participation in the POLIN Museum workshop is equivalent to 4 teaching hours.
A minimum of 51 out of 100 aggregate points must be achieved (see assessment methods below).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools — Level 3: AI-Assisted Editing. AI tools may be used to improve the clarity and linguistic quality of written work, but may not be used to generate new substantive content. The version of the work produced prior to any AI assistance must be submitted alongside the final version (in accordance with Resolution No. 29/2025 of the Teaching Council of WNPiSM, dated 7 May 2025, read in conjunction with Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education of the University of Warsaw, dated 8 December 2023). Alternative arrangements may be agreed in consultation with the instructor.
Independent Preparation of Work and Respect for Intellectual Property — in accordance with Resolution No. 14 of the University Council for Education of the University of Warsaw, dated 13 July 2020, on guidelines concerning standards and procedures applicable in cases of coursework and diploma theses prepared in violation of the law.

Bibliography

Religia. Encyklopedia PWN, t.1-9, PWN, Warszawa 2001-2003.
• K. Banek, Historia religii. Religie niechrześcijańskie, Zakład Wydawniczy „Nomos”, Kraków 2007.
• K. Banek, J. Drabina, H. Hoffmann, Religie Wschodu i Zachodu, Warszawa 1992.
• K. Banek (red.), Religie Wschodu i Zachodu. Wybór tekstów źródłowych, Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne, Warszawa 1991.
• T.D. Blakely et all (red.), Religion in Africa, London 1994.
• K. Bukowski, Religie świata a chrześcijaństwo, Wydawnictwo M, Kraków 1999.
• P. Burgoński, M. Gierycz (red.), Religia i polityka. Zarys problematyki, Elipsa, Warszawa 2014.
• D.L.Carmody, J. T. Carmody, Mistycyzm w wielkich religiach świata, Kraków 2011.
• Co każdy powinien wiedzieć o judaizmie, Kraków 2007.
• J. Danecki, Podstawowe wiadomości o islamie, tom 1 i 2, Warszawa 1997
• M. Dziekan, Arabowie. Słownik encyklopedyczny, Warszawa 2001.
• M. Dziekan, Symbolika arabsko-muzułmańska: Mały słownik, Warszawa 1997.
• M. Dziekan, Arabia Magica. Wiedza tajemna u Arabów przed islamem, Warszawa 1993
• M. Dziekan, Cywilizacja islamu w Azji i Afryce, Warszawa 2007.
• M. Dziekan, Dzieje kultury arabskiej, Warszawa 2008.
• M. Eliade, I.-P. Couliano, Słownik religii, Oficyna Wydawnicza Volumen, Warszawa 1994.
• Encyklopedia religii świata, Wydawnictwo Akademickie DIALOG, Warszawa 2002.
• T. Gabriel, R. Geaves, Religie. Geneza, wiara, tradycja, Poznań 2007.
• M. Gilbert, Atlas historii Żydów, Platan, b.d.i m.w.
• A. Hastings, Kościół i misje w Afryce, Warszawa 1971.
• J. Haynes, Religion and Politics in Africa, London 1996.
• I. Kania, O kabale i Zoharze, Kraków 1994.
• K. Kondrat, Bogactwo światopoglądów religijnych, Trans Humana, Białystok 1999.
• Koran, przeł. J. Bielawski, Warszawa 1986
• K. Kościelniak, Tematyczna konkordancja do Koranu, Kraków 2006
• K. Kościelniak, Sunna, hadisy i tradycjoniści. Wstęp do tradycji muzułmańskiej, Kraków 2006.
• D. De la Maisonneuve, Judaizm, Warszawa 2010
• J. Marzęcki, Systemy religijno-filozoficzne Wschodu, SCHOLAR, Warszawa 1999.
• E. Mahut-Mendecka, Archetypy islamu, Warszawa 2005
• M. Malherbe, Religie ludzkości, Wydawnictwo ZNAK, Kraków 1997 i nast.
• J. S. Mbiti, Afrykańskie religie i filozofia, Warszawa 1980.
• O. Mello, Judaizm, Kraków 2003.
• S. H. Nasr, Istota islamu. Trwałe wartości dla ludzkości, Warszawa 2010.
• K. Pachniak, Ezoteryczne odłamy w muzułmańskiej literaturze herezjograficznej, Warszawa
• J. Pawlik, Zaradzić nieszczęściu, Olsztyn 2006.
• G. Paolucci, C. Eid, Islam. Sto pytań. Opowiada Samir Khali Samir, Warszawa 2004.
• K. Pilarczyk, J. Drabina (red.), Religie starożytnego BW, Kraków 2008.
• S. Piłaszewicz, Religie i mitologia Czarnej Afryki. Przegląd encyklopedyczny, Warszawa 2002.
• S. Piłaszewicz, Potęga Księgi i Miecha Prawdy. Religia, cywilizacja i kultura islamu w Afryce Zachodniej, Warszawa 1994.
• S. Piłaszewicz, Religie Afryki, Warszawa 2000.
• H. Ringgren, A. V. Ström, Religie w przeszłości i dobie współczesnej, Warszawa 1990.
• M. Ruthven, Islam, Warszawa 2001.
• A. Sarwa, Eschatologia islamu – Rzeczy ostateczne człowieka i świata, Łódź 2003
• A. Scarabel, Islam, Warszawa 2004.
• H. Shenks (red.), Chrześcijaństwo a judaizm rabiniczny, Warszawa 2013.
• H. Shenks (red.), Starożytny Izrael, Warszawa 2007.
• E. Siwierska, Bractwo Tadżanijja w świetle piśmiennictwa hausa, Warszawa 2007.
• M. Składanek, Zrozumieć Iran, Warszawa 1996
• P. Stawiński, Religie Europy przedchrześcijańskiej, Chin, Japonii i Ameryki Środkowej. (historia porównawcza - wybór tekstów), Wyższa Szkoła Pedagogiczna, Częstochowa, 1988.
• A. Szyjewski, Religie Czarnej Afryki, Kraków 2005.
• K. Szwob, Kultury i religie świata. W opowieściach, mitach i faktach, Kraków 2014.
• Sufism. Mystical writings of Islam, London 2007
• M. i U. Tworuschka, Religie świata, Agora 2009 (t. I-VI).
• W. Vogel, Ojcowie religii, Poznań 2011.
• K. L. Woodward, Wielka księga cudów, Wydawnictwo M, Kraków 2007.
• H. Zimoń, African Traditional Religions, Lublin 2010.
• H. Zimoń (red.), Religia w świecie współczesnym, Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL, Lublin 2001.
• A. Zwoliński, Duchy Afryki, Kraków 2008.
• L’ATLAS DES RELIGIONS, Paris 2011.

Term 2026Z:

Essential reading:

(This is a selection; the full list will be provided at the start of the semester)

J. Danecki, Podstawowe wiadomości o islamie, t. 1–2, Warszawa 1997.
J. S. Mbiti, Afrykańskie religie i filozofia, Warszawa 1980.
S. Piłaszewicz, Religie Afryki, Warszawa 2000.
M. Ruthven, Islam, Warszawa 2001.
H. Shenks (red.), Chrześcijaństwo a judaizm rabiniczny, Warszawa 2013.
Koran, przeł. J. Bielawski, Warszawa 1986.
Literatura uzupełniająca
K. Banek, Historia religii. Religie niechrześcijańskie, Kraków 2007.
K. Banek, J. Drabina, H. Hoffmann, Religie Wschodu i Zachodu, Warszawa 1992.
T. D. Blakely et al. (red.), Religion in Africa, London 1994.
P. Burgoński, M. Gierycz (red.), Religia i polityka. Zarys problematyki, Warszawa 2014.
D. L. Carmody, J. T. Carmody, Mistycyzm w wielkich religiach świata, Kraków 2011.
D. De la Maisonneuve, Judaizm, Warszawa 2010.
M. Dziekan, Arabowie. Słownik encyklopedyczny, Warszawa 2001.
M. Dziekan, Cywilizacja islamu w Azji i Afryce, Warszawa 2007.
M. Dziekan, Dzieje kultury arabskiej, Warszawa 2008.
M. Eliade, I.-P. Couliano, Słownik religii, Warszawa 1994.
T. Gabriel, R. Geaves, Religie. Geneza, wiara, tradycja, Poznań 2007.
M. Gilbert, Atlas historii Żydów, Platan.
A. Hastings, Kościół i misje w Afryce, Warszawa 1971.
J. Haynes, Religion and Politics in Africa, London 1996.
K. Kościelniak, Sunna, hadisy i tradycjoniści, Kraków 2006.
E. Mahut-Mendecka, Archetypy islamu, Warszawa 2005.
J. Marzęcki, Systemy religijno-filozoficzne Wschodu, Warszawa 1999.
S. H. Nasr, Istota islamu. Trwałe wartości dla ludzkości, Warszawa 2010.
G. Paolucci, C. Eid, Islam. Sto pytań, Warszawa 2004.
K. Pilarczyk, J. Drabina (red.), Religie starożytnego Bliskiego Wschodu, Kraków 2008.
S. Piłaszewicz, Potęga Księgi i Miecha Prawdy, Warszawa 1994.
S. Piłaszewicz, Religie i mitologia Czarnej Afryki, Warszawa 2002.
A. Sarwa, Eschatologia islamu, Łódź 2003.
A. Scarabel, Islam, Warszawa 2004.
H. Shenks (red.), Starożytny Izrael, Warszawa 2007.
E. Siwierska, Bractwo Tadżanijja w świetle piśmiennictwa hausa, Warszawa 2007.
Sufism. Mystical Writings of Islam, London 2007.
A. Szyjewski, Religie Czarnej Afryki, Kraków 2005.
M. i U. Tworuschka, Religie świata, t. I–VI, Agora 2009.
H. Zimoń, African Traditional Religions, Lublin 2010.
H. Zimoń (red.), Religia w świecie współczesnym, Lublin 2001.
A. Zwoliński, Duchy Afryki, Kraków 2008.
L'Atlas des religions, Paris 2011.

Notes

Term 2026Z:

On 24–25 October, an organised study visit to Podlasie will take place (co-financed in large part from FDD funds: Tykocin–Supraśl–Kruszyniany), offering the opportunity for workshop-based familiarity with religions also present in the Middle East, i.e. Judaism, Islam, and Eastern Christianity. Participation in this trip will be equivalent to 12 teaching hours. There will also be workshops at the POLIN Museum on Judaism (4 teaching hours), and possibly (subject to agreement with the students) workshops at the Muslim Culture Centre in Ochota (4 teaching hours).

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: