C L O S E R

Anthropology Day Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam: Religion = Conflict?

Posted on November 18th, 2009 by martijn.
Categories: (Upcoming) Events, anthropology.

“Anthropology, the study of human cultures and societies, is exceptionally relevant as a tool for understanding the contemporary world, yet it is absent from nearly every important public debate in the Anglophonic world. Its lack of visibility is an embarrassment and a challenge” (Thomas Hylland Eriksen 2006, ix).

Anthropologists from the VU took up this challenge three years ago with the organisation of a seminar entitled “beyond relativism”, with Thomas Eriksen himself as the chief guest and speaker. Since then we have made this into a yearly event. The main ambition of the yearly anthropology day is to use our anthropological knowledge to shed more light on topical issues or problems which are dominating public debates.

Anthropology Day 2009 – VU University Amsterdam, 26 November 2009

The Anthropology Day 2009 will address the complex relations between religion and conflict. In public debate, religion – especially Islam – is considered a prime source and trigger of contemporary conflict. Plenty of anthropological research shows that such ideas make a caricature of reality and lack context. Then what do we have to say about that complex connection? How can anthropologists contribute to this fascinating and important theme?

A kick-off by Martijn the Koning and Johan Roeland about Dutch youth in search of a pure religion will be followed by lively debate. Three exciting workshops on Muslims in Europe, fieldwork in conflict situations, and the role of religion in the Middle East conflict will give ammunition for further discussion. The day will be concluded with a screening of film material shot by three former master students on their experiences as anthropologists in the field.

Programme

Morning

Venue: Metropolitan, Z-007 / Z-009

09.45 – 10.00 Welcome by Kim Knibbe (chair)

10.00 – 10.10 Coffee

10.10 – 11.00 Lecture by Martijn de Koning and Johan Roeland:

“God is everywhere”: Religious vitality and conflicts in Dutch society

11.00 – 11.15 Coffee break

11.15 – 11.30 Reactions from Birgit Meyer and Daan Beekers

11.30 – 12.15 Plenary discussion

12.15 – 13.30 Lunch break

Afternoon

W&N Building: C-648 / C-629 / C-640

13.30 – 15.30 Workshops

15.45 – 16.45 Films and Drinks! (Metropolitan Z-007 / Z-009)

0 comments.