| Unit name | Comparative Religions: Themes and Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0119 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Balserak |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Successful completion of level 3, Study Year Abroad unit. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
After an introductory session outlining the aims of the unit, each fortnight students will attend:
(1) the Departmental research seminar and
(2) a related seminar to discuss the themes and issues raised in the seminar and associated reading.
In this way students will be introduced to a range of themes and issues in the context of study and research related to a variety of religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhist and Hinduism. Students will learn directly from researchers who use a range of methods and approaches which may include philology, theology, philosophy, history of religion and anthropology. The associated seminars will then guide students in developing their understanding and appreciation of how common themes and methods can inform the study of different religious traditions, ancient and modern. Students will then write up and submit a final essay related to the themes and methods of at least two research seminars. Students will have to opportunity to practice their oral presentation skills in individual or group presentation.
The unit aims:
1. to develop knowledge at M level in a thematic area in two or more religions
2. to develop critical methodological comparative skills
3. to allow students to engage in comparative practices in relation to religions, issues and methods they have already studied.
4. to develop critical interaction with primary and secondary materials.
5. to develop written skills through the course assessment.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
(1) demonstrate clear and sophisticated knowledge of the theme(s) considered in the unit in two or more religions.
(2) apply sophisticated understanding to access critically a wide range of arguments and approaches to religion advanced by historians, theologians, Indologists, and philosophers.
(3) demonstrate high level skills through group discussion in presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments.
(4) evaluate, analyse and synthesise and (where apt) critique key primary and secondary texts.
(5) apply analytical strategies to new evidence and demonstrate the capacity for independent research.
Classes will involve a combination of class discussion and investigative activities. Students will be expected to attend fortnightly seminars and regular seminars, engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis.
1 x 1,000-word word essay plan (20%). [ILOs 1, 2, 3]
1 x 4,000 word essay (80%) assessing both detailed grasp of particular themes and methods [ILOs 4, 5]
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. THRSM0119).
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.
