| Unit name | Atheism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0107 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| 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 |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit moves beyond the typical coverage within the philosophy of religion to look closely at philosophical atheism, agnosticism and other non-theistic worldview positions such as religious naturalism and ultimism. We will ask questions such as: can there be a non-religious grounding of objective morality; is it more rational to be an atheist or an agnostic?; if atheism is true, is everything deeply futile?; does the idea of atheist spirituality make sense?; can an atheist (also) be a mystic? Through an in-depth focus on atheistic approaches to a range of key topics in the philosophy of religion, you will develop your skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation while engaging with fascinating and important philosophical issues.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Specialist subject options are offered in the final years of the Religion and Theology MArts programmes, and as part of some school and faculty MA programmes including Liberal Arts. It is standard practice for MArts to take three specialist options, and for MAs to take at least three, depending on their programme. The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the Religion and Theology department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
An overview of content
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.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will become familiar 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. You will develop an ability to form your own well-informed views and provide argumentative justification for your positions with respect to these issues. You will develop skills in philosophical reading, writing and argumentation.
Learning Outcomes
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.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 x 2,000 word review article of the state of the art on a chosen topic (30%) [ILOs 1-2,4]
1 x 4,000 word research essay on a chosen topic (70%) [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
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. THRSM0107).
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 University 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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
