| Unit name | Atheism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30050 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. David Leech |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit explores key issues in philosophy of religion through the lens of philosophical atheism, agnosticism and other non-theistic worldview positions including religious naturalism and Schellenberg’s ultimism. It examines some core philosophical issue as they arise within these positions including atheist appraisals of religious experience, meaning/non-futility, and the prospects for secular spirituality. Through an in-depth focus on atheistic approaches to a range of key topics in the philosophy of religion, it develops student skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation.
Aims:
To familiarise students with some central issues within philosophical atheism, agnosticism and other non-theistic worldview positions to a degree which is more specialised than what is possible within a general unit on philosophy of religion.
To develop students’ ability to form their own views and provide argumentative justification for their positions with respect to these issues
To develop skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation.
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 2000 words portfolio (formative) [ILOs 1-4] 1 x 3000-word summative essay (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
