| Unit name | Atheism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30050 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. David Leech |
| 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 |
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]
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. THRS30050).
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.
