RELT20572
Interpreting Religion
20
Semester 2
Undergraduate
Level 2
Katja Stuerzenhofecker
Unit coordinator
1
FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors '
European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 10.0
<p>‘Interpreting Religion’ explores current methods in the academic study of religion and the role of spirituality in personal and public life. The course introduces students to a range of traditional and contemporary approaches to interpreting religion and also concentrates on the practical application of these methods to the undergraduate study of religion. It is intended as a preparation for dissertation study at Level 3. Part of the assessment profile of the course will require the student to write an essay on the subject of his/her intended dissertation.</p>
<p>‘Interpreting Religion’ explores current methods in the academic study of religion and the role of spirituality in personal and public life. The course introduces students to a range of traditional and contemporary approaches to interpreting religion and also concentrates on the practical application of these methods to the undergraduate study of religion. It is intended as a preparation for dissertation study at Level 3. Part of the assessment profile of the course will require the student to write an essay on the subject of his/her intended dissertation.</p>
<ul><li>To enable students to be more reflective and self-aware about the methods of interpretation of traditional, classical and particularly new approaches in the study of religion</li><li>To consider a range of types of research questions and approaches appropriate for Level 3 undergraduate dissertations</li><li>To reflect on the practical problems of writing a good dissertation</li><li>To develop analytical and presentational skills that are required for the Level 3 dissertation</li></ul>
<p>By the end of this course students should be able to: </p><ul><li>Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various historical and contemporary ways of approaching and interpreting religious material</li><li>Communicate orally and in written work a range of conceptual terms in the interpretation of religion</li></ul>
<p>By the end of this course students should be able to:</p><ul><li>Critically evaluate the ways in which different methods can inform a greater understanding of religious experience</li><li>Comment upon the strengths and weaknesses on different academic approaches to the study of religion</li><li>Identify and articulate the theoretical basis and objectives of their own proposal for dissertation study at Level 3</li></ul><p> </p>
<p>By the end of this course students should be able to:</p><ul><li>Draft and discuss abstracts, with reference to research projects</li><li>Identify the key components of a Level 3 Dissertation</li><li>Conduct an effective literature review</li></ul>
<p>By the end of this course students should be able to:</p><ul><li>Make clear arguments for and against different positions</li><li>Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of analytical discussion in written work</li></ul><p> </p>
Written communication
Write in accordance with specific guidance for a particular purpose
Other
Ability independently to gather, sift, synthesise and organise material from various sources (including library, electronic and online resources), and to critically evaluate its significance
Lectures will combine a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lecturer ‘input’, small group work, textual analysis, whole class discussion, video, the use of case studies and internet resources. Seminars, focusing on dissertation preparation, will be interactive and will adopt three forms – activity-focused, readings-based and skills-based. A Blackboard site including lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, readings, internet links, video material, assessment guide/support, and course handbook.
0
Other
100%
<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Literature Review</td><td>10%</td></tr><tr><td>Research Outline</td><td>40%</td></tr><tr><td>Approaches Essay</td><td>50%</td></tr><tr><td>Reflective Review</td><td>0% (formative)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p> </p>
<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feedback Methods</strong></td><td><strong>Formative or Summative </strong></td></tr><tr><td>Written feedback via Turnitin/Grademark</td><td>Formative and summative</td></tr><tr><td>Additional one-to-one feedback during the consultation hour or by making an appointment</td><td>Summative </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
Y
<p><br/>Day, Abby et al. (2013) Social identities between the sacred and the secular. Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate.</p><p><br/>Gregg, Stephen E. & Scholefield, Lynne. (2015) Engaging with living religion: a guide to fieldwork in the study of religion. 1st ed. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.</p><p><br/>Hinnells, John R. (2009) The Routledge companion to the study of religion. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. </p><p><br/>Segal, Robert Alan. (2009) The Blackwell companion to the study of religion. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. </p><p><br/>Stausberg, Michael. & Engler, Steven. (2014) The Routledge handbook of research methods in the study of religion. London: Routledge.</p>
Lectures
22
Seminars
11
0
167