VICM2145 - The Victorians and Religion

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 demonstrate advanced knowledge of the religious experience of the Victorians, and of selected denominations, movements, and individuals
2 apply a critical awareness of a range of current approaches to the subject, including (for instance) historical, theological, and cultural perspectives, and work with a wide range of primary and secondary sources.
3 Demonstrate high-level understanding of the context within which Victorian religious belief operated, and of its impact on political, social and cultural life.
4 demonstrate self-direction and originality in a sophisticated argument that uses appropriate evidence/illustrations and engages with contextual and critical literature.

Content:

The module investigates various aspects of the Victorians and religion including the strength and form of religious observance, a case-study of the history of two leading denominations/ ‘movements’ (for instance, Evangelicalism or Tractarianism) and the personal faith experience and spirituality of specific individuals and/or social classes (for instance, the working classes). The wider impact of Victorian religious belief on certain aspects of political, social and cultural life will also be considered through 2 specific case-studies related to staff specialism (for instance, religious paintings, church-building and space, domestic life/the experience of women). The contribution which other disciplines can make to understanding of religion during the Victorian era will also be considered.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will use specific secondary references together with various forms of primary sources, including electronic texts and databases available via the internet such as the Religious Census of 1851, autobiographies, novels, images, and material evidence. They contribute actively to seminars via short reports, and short presentations by tutors and plenary discussions will also be part of the pedagogic methods.

Seminars
Contact hours: 2 x 6
Intended Group size: 12

Tutorials
Contact hours: 20 minutes per student

Assessment: