Module manager: Sean McLoughlin
Email: S.McLoughlin@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module critically examines the role of religion in shaping cultural identities, social movements, and political discourses in postcolonial contexts, with a focus on contemporary global issues. You will explore how religious traditions intersect with categories such as race, gender, sexuality, migration, and (trans)nationalism, in societies marked by histories of colonialism and conditions of (neo)coloniality, and by ongoing struggles for justice, recognition and decolonisation. Drawing on interdisciplinary approaches from religious studies, post- and decolonial theory, and cultural studies, you will analyse how religion is mobilised in debates around topics such as nationalism, religious pluralism, climate justice, queer activism, and diasporic belonging. Case studies from global contexts, such as Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and diasporic communities in Europe and North America, will highlight the dynamic and contested nature of religion in postcolonial worlds today. The module encourages you to think critically about the legacies of empire, the politics of identity, as well as the transformative potential of religion in contemporary cultural and political life. 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 aims to enhance your critical understanding of the complex role of religion in postcolonial global contexts. It provides you with the relevant theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, which you will apply to selected case studies.
The weekly lectures will introduce you to key concepts and theories and their relevance for particular debates and issues in a range of contemporary contexts.
You will be provided with set readings and tasks for independent study in preparation for the weekly seminars. During the seminars you will share and discuss your findings and questions with fellow students and collaboratively apply your knowledge and develop your analytical skills.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Critically evaluate key concepts or core texts from post- and decolonial thought and their relevance to understanding religion.
2) Analyse the impact of colonial histories and conditions of (neo)coloniality on contemporary religious practices and beliefs in global contexts, with case studies from regions such as Africa, South Asia, and diasporic communities.
3) Assess how religion shapes cultural identities and political discourse, and intersects with categories such as race, gender, sexuality, and migration, in postcolonial worlds.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4) Apply their understanding of the role of religion in postcolonial worlds to contemporary global challenges. (Academic and ethical skill)
5) Communicate insights effectively through writing, demonstrating critical thinking and cultural sensitivity. (Academic and Work Ready skill)
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminars | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 181 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback during seminars and in student hours.
Prior to submitting the first assessment (critique), students have the opportunity to receive feedback on a short plan, either verbally or in writing.
Prior to submitting the second assessment (essay), students will have received summative feedback on their first, thereby enabling improvements to be made when writing the second. They can also submit an essay plan for feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Critique | Critique | 30 |
| Essay | Essay | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit is by the same methodology as the first attempt. The student will select other options for the critique for the resit. The student will select a different essay question for the resit.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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