OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide an understanding of the theories and practices involved in interreligious dialogue between East and West. By examining the philosophical foundations of such dialogue and adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it will highlight the complexity of religious diversity and the role of interreligious dialogue in addressing crucial contemporary challenges, such as religious violence, religious pluralism, and the pursuit of peace.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will learn to set a philosophical discourse as a possible meeting point for an interfaith dialog that overcomes apologetic and polemic positions; starting from common questions, which are fundamental to human existence, several answers - from several traditions - will be compared. Seminars will enable students to analyze a few classics of this field, and to compare them to contemporary positions and debates.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching objectives are:

• Develop a proper understanding of the principles and philosophical theories underlying interreligious dialogue.
• Explore the complexities of religious diversity and its implications in ancient and contemporary societies.
• Identify and analyze the historical and contemporary factors contributing to religious conflicts and tensions.
• Foster a critical and philosophical awareness of contemporary religious pluralism.

Upon completion of the teaching, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the principles and philosophical theories of interreligious dialogue.
• Analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by religious diversity in local and global contexts.
• Evaluate the role of religion in shaping social, political, and cultural dynamics within different societies.
• Apply critical thinking skills to examine and interpret diverse religious perspectives and their contributions to interreligious dialogue.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites are required.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching will alternate between lectures delivered by the professors and interventions by external experts and faculty members within the framework of the Citizenship Education Course "Religioni nello spazio pubblico" (link: https://corsi.unige.it/off.f/2022/ins/73315).

Lessons will be held in presence. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. 

Students with disabilities or learning disabilities (DSA) are reminded that compensatory tools and dispensatory measures are intended to ensure equal learning conditions, not to make the exam easier. Their use must be authorised in advance by the course instructor, in agreement with the School Coordinator.

To request accommodations, please fill in the Accommodation Request Form (https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti): the system will automatically forward the request to the instructor, the School Coordinator (elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it), and the University Office for Students with Disabilities and Learning Disabilities.

Requests must be submitted at least 7 working days before the exam date.

For further information on available services and accommodations: unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Theory and Historical Figures of Interreligious Dialogue between East and West

The course aims to follow a path between the West and the East by outlining a philosophical theory of interreligious dialogue, while also analyzing historical experiences of interreligious exchange. The second module is dedicated to an emblematic figure of interreligious dialogue in India: Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan. A profound scholar of both Islamic and Hindu traditions, Dara Shikoh sought to bring these two religious universes together and to show how both spiritual traditions converge in a shared truth.

The course also hosts the Civic Education Training Course “Religions in the Public Space”. Participation in this activity includes the awarding of specific open badges.

Program for students taking the course for 6 CFU:

Part I: Theory and Historical Figures of Interreligious Dialogue (Prof. R. Celada Ballanti)

Program for students taking the course for 9 CFU:

Part I: Theory and Historical Figures of Interreligious Dialogue (Prof. R. Celada Ballanti)

Part II: The Religious Perspective of Dara Shikoh (Prof. E. Colagrossi).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

R. Celada Ballanti, I dialoghi interreligiosi d’immaginazione da Giustino a Lessing, Morcelliana, Brescia 2026.

Bibliography for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

R. Celada Ballanti, I dialoghi interreligiosi d’immaginazione da Giustino a Lessing, Morcelliana, Brescia 2026.

Dara Shikoh, Majma' ul-Bahrain (The Mingling of Two Oceans), Adelphi, Milano 2011 (Should the text prove difficult to obtain, alternative material will be provided).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

September 22,  2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will take the form of an oral assessment, through a dialogue aimed at bringing out the contents covered during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam assesses the understanding of the course material, the student's ability to discuss specific topics, concepts, or case studies, the quality, mastery, and confidence in the presentation, as well as the ability for critical and argumentative thinking.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is reccomended.