TFF4233 – Political Theology

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course gives historical and contemporary perspectives on the relationship between religion and politics, particularly as they come to expression in the Christian theological tradition but also the Islamic and Jewish traditions, philosophically and theologically. The history of ideas has a critical potential for evaluating the ethical, juridical, and theological conditions for modernity and democracy, for climate change and the ecological crisis. Moreover, the emergence of a secular political order is studied in relation to contemporary post-secularity, philosophical and theological arguments for and against a faith-based political commitment, the political role of the church, the worldview-related and anthropological preconditions of politics, as well as the critical potential of theology and the theological dimensions of politics.

Learning outcome

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

  • account for historical and contemporary perspectives on the relationship between religion, politics, and climate change.
  • reflect on challenges and possibilities at the intersection between secularity and postsecularity.
  • express him- or herself orally and in writing in a stringent and linguistically correct way with regard to the themes and problems treated in the course.
  • evaluate different political-theological positions and their consequences for church, mosque, synagogue, society and politics.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Students on the professional Theology Programme and the Teacher Education Programme must be on the master's level (i.e. completed the first three years of the programme).

Teaching

The teaching consists of seminars. All students prepare by reading the week's syllabus. The teaching format includes campus teaching as well as digital teaching.

Mandatory activities:

  • Students shall participate actively in teaching by giving oral presentations on questions related to the syllabus.
  • All students shall give an oral presentation on a political-theological topic lasting between ten to fifteen minutes.

Examination

Term paper, 3000-4000 words.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 7:44:37 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

TF Information Centre