TRS4802 - Method and Theory in the Study of Religion

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a knowledge of a variety of approaches defining and interpreting religion as a category.
Critically assess the validity of various approaches to defining and interpreting religion as a category.
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the key academic approaches within religious studies, and the reasons for their significance.
Evaluate the relative effectiveness of different academic approaches within religious studies in addressing contemporary issues such as gender, 'new' religious movements, and secularisation.
.

Content:

This module will introduce students to the methods and theories 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 the different approaches to religion and the theoretical tools for interpreting and understanding the category. Themes covered in this semester include the sociology and psychology of religion, the nature of comparative religion, philosophy and phenomenology of religion, and connected approaches. The module's second part consists of an exploration of how these approaches have been utilised in relation to key issues in religious studies, including postcolonial critiques, secularisation, gender, 'new' religious movements, and other related issues.

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 and seminars
Contact hours: 40
Intended group size: 15-20

Guided independent study
Hours: 160
Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment:

001 Directed activities semester 2 10%
002 Presentation 10 mins mid semester 2 45%
003 2,000-word equivalent - Throughout Semester 2 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nathan Uglow
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

Click here to go back to previous page