TRS4002 - Studying Religion

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
A knowledge of a variety of approaches of defining and interpreting religion as a category, including classifications such as 'new religions', 'cults' and 'non-religion'
A detailed knowledge of the key academic approaches within religious studies and their significance
An evaluation of the relative effectiveness of different academic approaches in addressing contemporary issues of identity and practice
Assess and produce sociological methods for conducting research into religions

Content:

This module will introduce students to the theories and methods utilised in religious studies, and to the application of these to specific issues in the subject. The first part of the module provides an overview of significant approaches to religion and the theoretical tools for interpreting and understanding categories of religion in relation to key issues in the modern world.

The second part of the module will focus on two sociolgical methods for studying religion: the survey/questionnaire and the interview. Students will assess, design and apply these tools to a class-agreed upon topic or set of topics in the study of religion.

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 discussions and debates; workshops on producing sociological methods; and other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading and assessments will be given in class and supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 36
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Fieldwork (for surveys and interviews)
Hours: 4
Intended Group Size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment
Diagnostic short essay: this will be a focused piece of writing on a relevant topic, such as comparing scholarly definitions of religion or disciplinary approaches to the study of religion.

Presentation: this could be on a definitional or theoretical problem in the study of religion applied to a case study. It can be in groups or pairs of students. Portfolio: this will consist of, for example, the survey/questionnaire, two interview transcripts, the evaluation of the two sociological methods and their effectiveness for studying the chosen topic in the study of religion and an analysis of the results of their study (including the use of infographics).

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Suzanne Owen
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S1

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