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Teaching about religions in the public sphere: European policy initiatives and the interpretive approach

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Jackson, Robert, 1945-. (2008) Teaching about religions in the public sphere: European policy initiatives and the interpretive approach. Numen : International Review for the History of Religions, Vol.55 (No.2-3). pp. 151-182. ISSN 0029-5973

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156852708X283032

Abstract

This paper charts a policy shift within international and European inter-governmental institutions towards advocating the study of religions (or the study of religions and beliefs) in European publicly funded schools. The events of September 11, 2001 in the USA acted as a "wake up call" in relation to recognising the legitimacy and importance of the study of religions in public education. For example, policy recommendations from the Council of Europe and guiding principles for the study of religions and beliefs from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe have been developed and are under consideration by member or participating states of both bodies. In translating policy into practice, appropriate pedagogies need to be adopted or developed. The paper uses the example of the interpretive approach to indicate how issues of representation, interpretation and reflexivity might be addressed in studying religious diversity within contemporary societies in ways which both avoid stereotyping and engage students' interest.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Institute of Education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Council of Europe, Public schools -- Europe, Religion in the public schools -- Europe, Religious education -- Europe, Religious pluralism -- Europe
Journal or Publication Title:	Numen : International Review for the History of Religions
Publisher:	Brill
ISSN:	0029-5973
Date:	April 2008
Volume:	Vol.55
Number:	No.2-3
Number of Pages:	32
Page Range:	pp. 151-182
Identification Number:	10.1163/156852708X283032
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/2911