Module manager: Emma Tomalin
Email: E.Tomalin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is approved as a discovery module
In this module you will learn about the ways religious commitments and communities intersect and sometimes conflict with commitments to human rights. You will learn about both the theory and the practice of these intersections and conflicts, and how theory applies to real-life contexts. You will explore whether religious texts, communities and authorities (including numinous authorities, like deities) are the sources, the guardians, or the enemies of human rights; and the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief, the notion of ‘human dignity’ and the question whether human rights are or should be ‘sacred’. This module is interdisciplinary, examining the relationships between diverse religious traditions and human rights from historical, theological, philosophical and social-scientific perspectives. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module will enable you to make connections and to reflect critically on the relationship between diverse religious traditions and human rights, from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
You will explore the theoretical, historical and political backgrounds of some current debates on the dynamics and conflicts between religion and human rights.
These objectives will be fulfilled through lectures and seminars.
In lectures you will be introduced to key concepts and to how these apply to select debates and case studies drawn from contemporary contexts.
You will prepare readings and tasks for seminars. Seminar preparation and active participation will give you practice at and will develop your critical analysis skills and equip you to formulate and discuss complex topics with your peers.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1) Summarize and evaluate how declarations on human rights relate to and engage with concepts drawn from religious beliefs and practices.
2) Construct reasoned arguments on topics negotiating human rights and religion.
3) Appraise how human rights negotiate or come into tension with religion.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
4) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly in writing using appropriate academic language and register. (Academic skill)
5) Apply your understanding of both human rights and religion to engage with the world around you. (Academic, work ready and sustainability skill)
Ability to connect moral and political issues with religious issues
The syllabus will vary each year. Likely topics include:
• Gender, and gender-based violence
• Sexuality
• Migration and Asylum
• Poverty
• Freedom of Religion or Belief
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 181 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work per assessment, which will receive written feedback.
For the literature review/annotated bibliography: students may submit a short draft.
For the essay: students may submit an essay plan and sample bibliography.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | Literature Review | 30 |
| Reflective log | Essay | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit is by the same task. The student will select other declarations from a list of options for the literature review /annotated bibliography for the resit. The student will select another essay question from a list of options for the resit.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team