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Unit information: Topics in Religion and Theology in 2022/23

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Topics in Religion and Theology
Unit code THRS10063
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
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

Unit Information

The unit will introduce students to two theological texts and / or topics and allow students to develop their skills in oral presentations and close reading. Students will be assigned to two different seminar groups and will participate in two parallel sets of weekly seminars. The tutor of each small group will guide students through discussion and analysis of material introducing students to the study of religion and theology through close reading of a specific body of material related to a specific religious tradition (Judeo-Christian or Asian) or theme in religious studies relevant to more than one tradition. Emphasis will be placed on (a) student participation, which will take the form of (i) oral presentation of independent work and (ii) working with other students to develop close readings of a text or texts; and (b) enhancing essay writing skills.

Your learning on this unit

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate an understanding of a body of religious material through critical reading and engaged discussion;

(2) demonstrate skills in oral presentation;

(3) demonstrate methodological skills in the study of religion and theology;

(4) critically evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a coherent argument appropriate to level C

How you will learn

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.

How you will be assessed

2 X 10-minute oral presentations [60% ILOs 1-2]

2 X 1000-word portfolio (40%) [ILOs 1, 3, 4]

Resources

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. THRS10063).

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.

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