TRS6802 - Religions, Cultures and Complexities

Objectives:

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

1. a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the contextual practice of the major World Religions, as lived in contemporary cultures and various socio-political landscapes;
2. a critical assessment of the complex development of these religious traditions, including their multiform manifestations in the modern day;
3. a critical analysis of the major conflicts and achievements of these traditions in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries;
4. a critical understanding of the challenges posed by political and cultural contexts to the development and living-out of these religions in the modern world;
5. an understanding of the continuing issues of theological, philosophical, spiritual and ethical/moral development within these religious traditions.

Content:

This module builds upon the content of TRS2802, focussing in further detail on the nuanced complexities of thought, practice and inter-religious relationships between the major World Religions. Particular attention is paid to the relationship of religious belief and practice to the various socio-political contexts in the modern world, and the way internal variations in religious customs inform the landscape of the 21st century. Critical analysis is paid to the interaction between ethical and moral systems in each of these religions, as they relate to society at large, as well as the challenges of spiritual identity in a ‘multi-faith world’.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The course will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans and drafts if required.

Lectures / Seminars
These will normally include 20 hours of lecture and 20 hours of seminar provision, usually offered as a 1-hour lecture per week, followed by a 1-hour seminar. However, this pattern may be modified to best suit student and module needs.
Contact hours:40
Number of groups: 1

Assessment:

001 Essay 1 x 2000 words (End of Sem 1) 40%
002 Essay 1 x 2000 words (End of Sem 2) 40%
003 Presentation 20 minutes (Sem 1 or 2) 20%


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