TRS4902 - Varieties of Religious Experience

Objectives:

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

1. an understanding of the basic contours of the major world religions, including their fundamental tenets and traditions;
2. a knowledge of various ways in which people engage with and experience religions;
3. an understanding of sociological and psychological approaches to religious experience and behaviour;
4. an ability to analyse and critically discuss evidence for religious experience and practice;
5. an ability to conduct research into the varieties of religious experience, using print and online resources

Content:

This module will introduce the field of World Religions, through the exploration of the varieties of ways in which believers engage in and experience the major world religions. Students will explore the background history and fundamental texts and tenets of key religious groups, and address such questions as:

• How do the texts and traditions of various religions inform their practice?
• What are the differences between intellectual and experiential religious traditions?
• What is the relationship between belief and practice?
• How do tradition and culture shape the religious experience of the individual in various world religions?
• Is there a shared religious experience common to diverse traditions?

The field of World Religions will be opened by studying the basic tenets of the major traditions, including their texts, exploring the living forms of these religions through investigation of formal worship and collective religious behaviours, alongside personal experiences of conversion, prayer and ecstasy. In addition to the major world religions as wholes, more specific sub-groups addressed may include Christian mysticism (eastern and western); Pentecostalism; Quaker customs; Sufi mysticism; tantra; shamanism; pilgrimage in various religions; and others.

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. A portfolio will be used to collect smaller written assignments throughout the module, which may comprise brief research texts, learning journals, reading summaries, etc.

Lectures/Seminars
Contact Hours: 40 Number of Groups: 1

Assessment:

001 Portfolio of Exercises 1 x 2000 words (end of sem 1) 40%
002 Presentation 15 minutes 20%
003 Useen paper 1 x 2 hours 40%


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