| 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. David Leech |
| Open unit status | Not 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:
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 1000 word portfolio (formative) [ILOs 1-4] 1 x 2000 word essay (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. THRS10030).
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.
