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2009/10 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

THEO5360M Religion, Theology and Development Issues

30 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Kevin Ward
Email: trskw@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2009/10

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

What is the relationship between religions and international development? Do religions promote or hinder development? How do religious models of development relate to the secular economics based framework that has dominated international development in the post-world war II period? This module will offer opportunities to study the operation of religion in relation to development theory and action; the nature of religion as resource, obstacle and critical participant in development; particular forms of co-operation between religious communities, religious aid agencies and communities in development; and the relationship of religion, human values and community building. The syllabus will include, for instance, consideration of the religious and theological treatment of international debt, human rights, nation-building, justice and liberation, and gender issues, (e.g. reproductive rights concerns).

Objectives

Taking account of the qualifications, experience and practical concerns of students, this module will offer opportunities to study the operation of religion in relation to development theory and action; the nature of religion as resource, obstacle and critical participant in development; particular forms of co-operation between religious communities, religious aid agencies and communities in development; the relationship of religion, human values and community building. Students will gain an understanding of the actuality and potential of religion in contexts of social development by examining (a) local case studies of the participation of religious people in development issues; (b) the relation of theology, spirituality and religious culture to issues of development; (c) the policies and practices of religious, especially Christian, aid agencies.

Syllabus

How religion in societies is studied; development as a religious concern; ambiguities of religion in situations of change. Religious norms and goals for development; religion and human values and prospects. Development theory and practice in major world religions especially Islam and Christianity. The agencies and ideologies of Christian engagement with development issues since the 1960s. Theological arguments intrinsic to the pursuit of justice, liberation, community, on global and local scales. The religious and theological treatment of international debt, human rights, nation-building, justice and liberation, women's issues, population and birth control.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Written Work	6,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/07/2010

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