TRS5432 - Varieties of Religious Experience

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
an understanding of key themes, such as ritual and pilgrimage, in the study of religions;
a knowledge of various ways in which people engage with and experience religions;
an understanding of different theoretical approaches to religious experience and behaviour;
an ability to analyse and critically discuss data for religious experience and practice;
an ability to conduct research into the varieties of religious experience, using print and online resources

Content:

This module will explore of the varieties of ways in which participants engage in and experience religious traditions. Students will explore the key themes, and address such questions as:
• How is religious experience evaluated?
• 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 religions?
Religious traditions will be opened by exploring the living forms of various religions through investigation of collective religious behaviours, personal experiences of conversion, prayer and pilgrimage. In addition to major religious traditions, more specific groups addressed may include Christian mysticism (eastern and western); Sufi mysticism; shamanism; 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 writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module. A portfolio will be used to collect smaller written assignments throughout the module, which may comprise brief research texts, learning journals, reading summaries, presentation materials, etc.

Lecture
Contact hours: 20

Seminar, group work, tutorial, etc
Contact hours: 20

Guided Independant Study
Hours: 160

Assessment: