Religion & Law in Judaism: Religious Communities- Research Essay Writing Assignment

Internal Code: TV619

Research Essay Writing Assignment:

Task: This essay will be based on a question about public sphere debates on state policies that conc ern religious communities. You are required to choose a topic relating to this theme and develop an essay question that addresses the topic. You must use literature, theories and illustrative examples to answer the question. References to laws that influence such debates are encouraged and will add to the strength of your essay. The following is a list of suggested topics on which you could base your question. These are not the only possible topics, they just provide a guide to appropriate topics within the theme of the essay. Possible topics: Choose any one topic: Influence of religious voices in same sex marriage debates Debates around religious education, curricula and funding Debates around Sharia law Hallal and Kosher certification debates Readings for this session: Between private and public schools This session will discuss the interaction of religion with private and public school systems. This can include religious schools, home schooling and religious activities and lessons within public schools. For example, we will look at questions such as: What laws govern religion in school and religious education? How is religious school funding handled in Australia vs other countries? Is home schooling in religious doctrines governed? Do religious schools have to follow a standardised curriculum? What religious activities are allowed/supported in public schools? The content of this session will also consist of a discussion about the intersection of religion and law. It will have a particular focus on issues in the Australian context, such as Australia's soft secularism, religious culture, religious protections (or lack of) and common social issues related to religion. The Australian context will be related to other contexts and the operation of laws with regard to religion in various countries. The session is designed to introduce students to the importance of studying the intersection of law and religion. Religion and law in Judaism This session discusses the interpretation and application of Jewish Laws (Halakhah) in the modern world. It will cover change and adaptation of Jewish laws and their compatibility or clash with the laws of countries in which Jews reside. It will also look at the interaction of such laws with Jewish identity in a globalised world. Religion and law in Christianity This session discusses the influence of Christianity on law and law on Christian beliefs. It will discuss the roots of Western law in Christian doctrines and the influence this has had on secularity in these countries. It will also cover the pressure from Christian groups to maintain and reinstate Christian beliefs within the law. Religion and law in Islam This session will discuss the intersection of Islam and law in a variety of contexts. Islam is the basis for laws in some countries, has strong internal laws and is the focus of new laws in countries in which it is a minority religion. Internal laws such as Sharia are also negotiable between times and social contexts, making essentialising about these religious laws difficult, if not dangerous. The session will cover the many interactions between Islam and law in the contemporary world.