| Unit name | Religion: Contexts and Perspectives |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20214 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Balserak |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Religious traditions are shaped by particular cultural contexts; they also express particular cultural perspectives; these contexts and perspectives change and develop with time and place. This raises questions about the intellectual assumptions we bring to the study of religious traditions. Building on the first-year introduction to the study of religious traditions East and West, this unit will examine particular aspects of two (or more) religious traditions, at least one Judeo-Christian and one Asian, with a view to deepening students’ understanding of the manner in which contexts and perspectives may be unique or shared. Students will take two parallel sets of weekly lectures and seminars taught by two different members of staff. These will focus on examining and discussing specific themes characteristic of each religious tradition. Although each side of the unit will have its unique content and explore tradition-specific questions, the parallel consideration of different religious milieus and bodies of material aims at stimulating students to think beyond the received category of “religion”.
Students will be given the opportunity to engage with the unit’s themes through an optional 1000-word formative exercise and to receive feedback on this.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
1 x timed assessment (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRS20214).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
