Program Overview

Course in Management of Religious Diversity: Between Globalization and Local Politics

Introduction

The Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Chile is offering a new extension course titled "Management of Religious Diversity: Between Globalization and Local Politics." This course will be taught virtually through the Zoom platform from August 11 to September 10, 2025.

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with the tools to understand and manage the presence of religion in contemporary public spaces. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Comprehend the socio-historical context that explains the transformations of religion during the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Recognize the importance of the religious factor in analyzing conflicts and solutions in the community.
• Develop negotiation skills for resolving religious conflicts.

Course Structure

The course will consist of 10 sessions, covering topics such as:

1. Contextualization of the global religious scenario.
2. Diversity and religious pluralism: an updated debate.
3. Religion as a factor in integrating migrant communities.
4. New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Latin America: from stigmatization to interreligious dialogue.
5. Without religion: what do people believe in?
6. Youth and religion: beyond disbelief.
7. Principles, criteria, and norms for managing religion in a diverse public space.
8. Religion, gender, and violence.
9. Religious organizations as agents of change.
10. Final discussion: new religious challenges in times of change.

Target Audience

The course is directed at:

• Government and municipal officials related to the management of religious affairs.
• Professors of humanities, social sciences, religion, etc.
• University students.
• Religious leaders.
• The general public.

Faculty

The course will be taught by academics from the Center for Jewish Studies, Prof. Luis Bahamondes Gonzßlez and Prof. Nelson MarĒn Alarc¾n, both with a distinguished trajectory in research and teaching in the field of religious sciences and social sciences.

Details

• Duration: 40 pedagogical hours.
• Methodology: Expository classes, audiovisual materials, and selected readings.
• Certification: Official certification will be awarded to those who attend at least 80% of the sessions.
• Value: $140,000 (includes materials and certification).