Photo: Dr Jacqueline Reilly
Dr.Jacqueline Reilly,
Head of School

Telephone:
+44 (0)28 9036 8001

Fax:
+44 (0)28 9036 8201

E-mail:
socsci@ulster.ac.uk


 



Image For PHD Study Opportunities Link
Image for Communication Research Oportunities Link Image for Education Research Oportunities Link Image for Law Research Oportunities Link
Image for Linguistics Research Oportunities Link Image for Politics and International Studies Research Oportunities Link Image for Social Work and Social Policy and Administration Research Oportunities Link
Name :
Kenneth Houston
E-mail Address : achouston09@yahoo.ie Tel No : Ext 75530
Mode of Study :
Full Time
Expected Completion Date :
Oct 2008
 
Supervisor(s) : Dr Paul Hainsworth , School of Economics and Politics, Dr Stephen Ryan, Faculty of Arts, School of History
Title of Project : Religion: Religion and Governance in the EU – Analysing the Dialogic Relationship

Project Description :

Included within the Draft Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe (and subsequently the Reform Treaty as of October 2007) is a provision for structured dialogue between the institutions of the European Union and religious and non-confessional bodies.  The inclusion of this provision was envisaged as a policy instrument to foster inter-cultural understanding, manage tolerance and diversity, and encourage contributions to relevant policy areas.  This study will examine the basis and dynamic underpinning the inclusion of this provision and evaluate its ability to contribute meaningfully to the life of the Union under criteria of liberal democratic governance.

The central research question is: can the provision for dialogue contribute meaningfully toward the objectives of integrated pluralism and the development of a European consciousness and remain consistent with liberal democratic norms and good governance?

The study will be conducted principally through the prism of conflict research, which will draw on several explanatory perspectives in pursuing analysis

Other Information :

I hold an MA (Distinction) in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Ulster and a Higher Diploma in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from UCD.  I have also served in the Irish Defence Forces and served three tours of duty in Lebanon.

Conference Papers:


‘Article I 52.3: the Logic of Structured Dialogue between Religious Associations and the Institutions of the EU’

Presented to the ‘Religion and Politics in the Construction of the European Union’ Conference at the London School of Economics, 16 June 2007-11-07

‘Formal Dialogue between religious associations and European Union Institutions: The Dynamic of Value Incompatibilities’

Presented to the ‘Exchanging Ideas on Europe: Common Values – External Policies’ UACES Conference, University of Portsmouth, 4 September 2007

Peer Reviewed Article (Forthcoming 2008):

‘The Instrumentality of Institutionalised Church-State Dialogue: A critical assessment’ (Provisional Title) in Religion, State and Society, Routledge

Book Reviews

Islamic State Practices, International Law and the Threat from Terrorism: A Critique of the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ in the New World Order by Javaid Rehman Hart Publishing, Oxford in Ethnopolitics, Vol 5 No 4 Nov 2006 pp 414-416

Human Rights and Religion: The Islamic Headscarf Debate in Europe (Paperback)by Dominic McGoldrick  Hart Publishing Oxford in Ethnopolitics (Forthcoming)


If you would like to learn more about how we can help further your studies and career opportunities, please contact us.

Image for Student Handbook Link
Image for research Studies Handbook
Image for Current Students Link
Image for Graduated Students Link
Image for Student Intranet Link