THRS 205 - Faith and Nonviolence

Unit(s): 4

This course is designed to for USF students committed to participate in the USF Interfaith Nonviolence Initiative for the 2022-2023 academic year. This course explores religious wisdom and practice in conversation with scholars, community leaders and activists (1) to investigate dynamics of interpersonal and communal violence in a variety of social and political contexts; (2) to engage the nonviolence tradition inspired by the life, teaching and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the history of Catholic social thought, especially the social teaching of Pope Francis; and (3) to explore how strategies and methods informed by this tradition can be designed and applied to address and rectify violence in society. Weekly readings and discussion emphasize a different faith tradition through the lens of a religious leader who furthered nonviolence and social justice in their words and actions, and who worked closely with clergy and activists from other faiths.

College of Arts and Sciences