Course Listing

Religion, State and Multiculturalism
Last Updated Date:   28 June 2024


4 Units,  Semester 1

Course Description:
Religious minorities are seeking accommodations in a variety of forms: exemptions (kosher and halal regulations); recognition (representation quotas); assistance (subsidies, museums); self-government (schools, religious courts, territorial sovereignty) and more. Drawing on the rich experience of countries where such accommodations were granted, the course will inquire into the legitimacy and problems associated with such accommodations, drawing on modern theories of multiculturalism and religion and state designs. Principal topics will include: Liberal multiculturalism, theory and practice; Group accommodations in a democracy; A survey of religious groups and illiberal practices; Traditional schemes of religious accommodations, with special reference to the Ottoman millet system; The reality of religious accommodations in Western democracies (United States, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Germany); The reality of religious accommodations in the Middle East and South East Asia, with special reference to Israel; the problem of minorities within minorities; essentialism, secularism in divided communities and reform movements.

Course Convenor: Visiting Prof Michael Karayanni

Co-teacher(s): NA

Course Codes: LL4519 / LL5519 / LL6519 / LLJ55159

Contact Hours: 9 sessions over 3 weeks: Three, 3hr weekly seminars

Workload: Intensive: Week 4 - 6: 2 - 20 Sep 2024 [Mon, Wed: 6.30 - 9.30pm; & Fri: 3pm - 6pm]

Mode of Assessment: Class Participation - 30%; Draft Research Paper - 20% & Essay - 50% [Due: Fri, 25 Oct 2024 (9pm)]

Preclusions: LL4519V/LL5519V/LLJ5519V/LL6519V Religion, State and Multiculturalism

Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or common law equivalent.

Examination Date: Different Mode of Examination

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