Unit name | Philosophical Approaches to Religious Experience and Mysticism |
---|---|
Unit code | THRS20218 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
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 examine some of the core literature on the philosophical discussion of religious experience and mysticism from James’ The Varieties of Religious Experience to the present. We will critically discuss the key philosophical issues which arise in connection with these discussions, including whether such experiences might best be regarded as veridical or illusory, the perennialist (‘common core’) versus constructivist debate, and naturalistic interpretations of religious experience. We will also examine some prominent recent philosophical defences of the argument from religious experience, including Alston’s ‘doxastic practices’ defence and Swinburne’s appeal to the principle of credulity. Students will practise their oral presentation skills by giving a 10-minute individual or 15-minute group presentation.
Aims:
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 2500-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. THRS20218).
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.