Unit name | Approaches to the Study of Religion |
---|---|
Unit code | THRS10030 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Lomi |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
none |
Co-requisites |
none |
School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit, students will encounter a variety of disciplines, key theories and core approaches to the study of religion, examining in particular theological, sociological, anthropological, psychological, philosophical and comparative approaches. These disciplinary approaches will be illuminated by relevant examples drawn from the disciplines of the specialists lecturers who are teaching the unit. John R. Hinnels, The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion (2009; also available as an ebook), will provide the core reading material for the unit. The aim of this unit is to equip students of religion and theology with a sound theoretical understanding of the key disciplines and approaches which shape their study of this discipline.
Students will practise their close reading skills in small groups, and will work together on a group presentation.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main approaches to the academic study of religion today;
(2) demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical ideas that have shaped the various scholarly approaches to religion(s);
(3) analyse and evaluate some of the main scholarly approaches to religion(s);
(4) identify pertinent data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument appropriate to level C/4.
1 x one-hour lecture and 1 x two-hour seminar per week; 1 x 1.5 hours fortnightly additional lecture
1x two-hour exam (100%)[ILOs 1-4]
• John R. Hinnels, The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion (Second Edition; London: Routledge, 2009) • Seth Kunin & Jonathan Miles-Watson, Theories of Religion: A Reader (Edinburgh: EUP, 2006) • Russell T. McCutcheon, Studying Religion: An Introduction (London: Equinox, 2007). • Susan Mumm, Religion Today: A Reader (London: Ashgate, 2002).