TRS6802 - Religions, Cultures and Complexities

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the contextual practice of various religious traditions, as lived in various socio-political landscapes;
a critical assessment of the complex development of these religious traditions in their historical contexts;
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;
a critical understanding of the academic study of these traditions and their categorisations.

Content:

This module focusses on the nuanced complexities of thought, practice and inter-religious relationships between religious and cultural traditions. Particular attention is paid to the academic study of the relationship of religious belief and practice to various socio-political contexts, and the way internal variations in religious customs inform the landscape of the 21st century. Critical analysis is paid to the interaction between religious, culural and political systems in global contexts, as well as the challenges of religious and cultural identifications in the modern world. Topics may include tensions between local indigenous or shamanistic traditions and transcultural forms, distinctions made between religion and magic or religion and secular in particular locations, or multi-religious relations and identities in specific socio-political contexts.

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. Assessment guidance will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance if required.

Seminars
Contact hours: 32

Guided independent study
Hours: 168

Students may also negotiate their assessment topic with the lecturer.

Assessment:

001 Presentation 10 minutes mid semester 50%
002 Essay 2000 words end of semester 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Suzanne Owen
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S1

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