2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO1930 Introduction to the Study of Religion/s

10 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Dr Jasjit Singh
Email: j.s.singh@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

THEO1140 Religion in Modern Britain

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces the Study of Religion/s as an academic field of studies. The module integrates the exploration of different approaches, theories, methods, concepts and issues in the study of religions with the reading of some classic texts in the study of religion/s. Throughout the module, religion is approached as something polymorphic (i.e. it comes in many shapes and sizes) and multi-dimensional (presenting many different faces), woven into local and global life and thought as well as embodied in religious institutions, texts, practices and images. The module does not aim to introduce specific religions as such but will use examples from a variety of religious traditions.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are:
- To introduce students to key approaches, methods, theories and concepts in the study of religion/s.
- To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of critical issues and debates in the study of religion/s, such as gender, (post)colonialism, normativity and subjectivity.
- To enhance students’ undergraduate skills such as academic reading and writing, critical thinking and argument.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students have:
- Foundational knowledge and understanding of selected approaches, methods, theories and concepts in the study of religion/s.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of critical issues and debates in the study of religion/s, such as gender, (post)colonialism, normativity and subjectivity.

Syllabus

The module consists of 11 lectures and 5 seminars.

Lecture themes:
1. Why studying religion/s?
2. History of the study of religion/s (defining religion, methods; insider/outsider)
3. Approaches to the study of religion/s: sociology
4. Approaches to the study of religion/s: anthropology
5. Critical issues in the study of religion/s: gender and sexuality
6. Critical issues in the study of religion/s: (post)colonialism
7. Dimensions of religion/s: text, belief, and authority
8. Dimensions of religion/s: ritual, practice and action
9. Dimensions of religion/s: institutions and community
10. Dimensions of religion: self, identity and the individual
11. Dimensions of religion/s: objects, images and buildings

Seminars:
1. Deprogramming (insider/outsider; positionality)
2. Assessments
3. Reading a classic text on religion (e.g. Marx, Weber, Durkheim)
4. Reading a modern text on religion (e.g. Mary Daly, Mary Douglas, Clifford Geertz)
5. Reading a postmodern text on religion (e.g. Michael Foucault, Talal Asad, Thomas Tweed; Saba Mahmood)

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	2.00	2.00
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			82.00
Total Contact hours			18.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

This will be used by students to prepare for lectures, seminars and assessment:
- Preparation for lectures: 11 x 2 = 22 hours
- Preparation for seminars: 5 x 3 = 15 hours
- Preparation of essay: 15 hours
- Exam preparation: 30 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored through attendance and contributions/feedback during seminars as well as opportunities for other face-to-face and/or electronic exchanges including office hours.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2000 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

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 20/07/2017

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD