Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

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

Demonstrate detailed knowledge of contemporary paradigms in philosophy of religion, such as aspects of postmodernism; their philosophical and theological significance, and how theologians are responding to them
Critically analyse and compare different positions advanced by philosophers of religion in responding to contemporary philosophical paradigms, such as postmodernism, with a nuanced appreciation of how their responses open up new avenues of inquiry
Demonstrate detailed understanding of a range of ways philosophers have interpreted and responded to recent cultural and technological developments such as the growth of digital media, particularly in reflection about religion
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of key issues in contemporary philosophy of religion and philosophical theology and construct sophisticated arguments about these with reference to a range of philosophical and interdisciplinary approaches.

Content:

The first part of the module will present an introductory overview of contemporary philosophical paradigms including: phenomenology, postmodernism and poststructuralism, considering such topics as: postmodernism as a new philosophical paradigm through which to approach religion (Lyotard, Deleuze, Baudrillard); the critique of religion from the perspective of critical theory and the theological turn in phenomenology as opening up new potential for philosophical reflection about religion and the divine. Theological engagements with postmodernism will then be reviewed, including such topics as: theologies of the oppressed; religious diversity and the rise of fundamentalism; the place of theology in a postmodern age. The final part of the module will focus on the way these debates can be related to the topics of God, the body and the city.

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; formal assessment by presentation to the rest of the group; 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 if required. Where possible, learning will be supplemented with site visits. Research methods that aid fieldwork will also be considered where appropriate and, whenever possible, put into practice.

Lecture:
Contact hours: 20

Seminar or group work:
Contact hours: 20

Guided independent study:
Hours: 160

Further details relating to assessment:
The portfolio will consist of 6 portfolio entries, each of 300-400 words in length (not to exceed the maximum allowed in the final submission). These will be assessed throughout the module, with a submission due approximately every two weeks, and submitted together as a pack at the end of the module.

Assessment:

001 Essay; 2,000 words; End of Semester 50%
002 Portfolio; 2,000 words; End of Semester 50%

Fact File

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