History

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Previous editions

Group photo UCSIA Summer School 2024 © Sigrid Meulemans

2024 - God on Our Side?

We focused on the theological narratives of nationalism, populism and conservatism. This edition marked the start of a new three-year cycle focused on the entanglements of religion and politics, the communities in which they take shape and function, and the injustices they entail or critique.
UCSIA Summer School 2023

2023 - Preparation UCSIA Summer Schools 2024-2026

We mapped the field and discerned relevant themes for the next cycle of summer schools with the steering committee, alumni and guest lecturers in an academic workshop.

UCSIA Summer School participants 2022 - © Frederik Hulstaert & UCSIA vzw

2022 - Religion, Mobility and Economics

We discussed the diversity of religions on the move and economic transformation.

Group photo UCSIA Summer School 2021

2021 - Religion, Mobility and Politics

We discussed the diversity of religions on the move and the politics of religion and religious difference.

2019 - Religion, Mobility and Materiality

We discussed the ways in which mobility influences the global and local religious landscape.

UCSIA Summer School 2018

2018 - Religion & Culture in a Globalized World

Academic workshop in preparation of the next cycle UCSIA Summer Schools.

UCSIA Summer School 2017

2017 - Between Market, State and Religion: Economic Realities, Social Justice and Faith Traditions

We discussed the ways in which socio-economic evolutions (e.g. globalization) interact with socio-religious and cultural normative frameworks.

2016 - Public Religion, Spirituality & Lifestyle

We discussed new forms of religion and the way they emerge, contrast and complement existing religious histories and structures. 

2015 - Is Faith-based Violence Religious?

We investigated whether religion is inductive of or instrumental for violence.

UCSIA Summer School 2014

2014 - Religion & Culture in a Globalized World

Academic workshop in preparation of the next cycle UCSIA Summer Schools.

2013 - Religion, Reform and the Challenge of Plurality

We discussed the processes of change that arise in the interaction between religions and societies in contexts of plurality, especially in a globalized world.

UCSIA Summer School

2012 - Secularism(s) and Religion in Society

We discussed the dynamic interplay between the macro- and micro-social developments concerning religion that take place in much of the contemporary globalizing world.

UCSIA Summer School

2011 - Religion and International Relations

UCSIA Summer School

2010 - Religion & Culture in a Globalized World

Academic workshop in preparation of the next cycle UCSIA Summer Schools.

UCSIA Summer School 2009

2009 - Religion, Culture & Society : Religion & Politics

UCSIA Summer School 2008

2008 - Religion, Culture & Society: Multiculturalism

UCSIA Summer School

2007 - Religion, Culture & Society: Gender

UCSIA Summer School

2005 - Faith-based Radicalism: Christianity, Islam and Judaism between Constructive Activism and Destructive Fanaticism

UCSIA Summer School

2003 - Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue – How to Conquer the Barriers between Christianity, Islam and Judaism?

Milestones

20th Anniversary of the UCSIA Summer School

In 2023 UCSIA celebrates the 20th anniversary of its summer school for PhD and postdoctoral students with a research interest in religion. To mark the occasion, UCSIA organized an academic workshop to discuss contemporary issues in the study of religion. The participants included 5 alumni, 5 guest lecturers, and the 6 members of the UCSIA Summer School steering committee.

Read more about the history of the UCSIA Summer School ... 

In memoriam: Christiane Timmerman

It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the passing away of Professor Christiane Timmerman on February 10th, 2019. After becoming director of the University of Antwerp’s Centre for Migration and Intercultural Studies (CeMIS) in 2011, she remained involved with UCSIA as board member and chairperson of the summer school on Religion, Culture and Society.

No circumstantial arguing is needed to share our conviction that Professor Timmerman’s outstanding scholarship and patient firmness were decisive to create and sustain the unique environment of the summer school.

Class and summer school participants will always remember and honour the scholarly work and the unique leadership of Professor Christiane Timmerman.

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