Module THEO3371: RELIGIOUS INNOVATIONS

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3371: RELIGIOUS INNOVATIONS

Prerequisites

• Students should have previously completed either "The Study of Religion" OR the "Death, Ritual and Belief" course, OR should have some prior experience in studying subjects in the social sciences.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To describe forms of religious innovation exemplified in both individuals and groups.
• To present a variety of theories accounting for religious innovation and to encourage analysis of the social effects of innovation.
• To explain and demonstrate the use of the comparative method in the study of religion.

Content

• This module explores the nature of innovation among religious movements which have emerged out of modern day western cultures. Classes will consider how social scientific concepts such as secularization, deprivation and the church/sect typology help us to understand movements which challenge the traditions out of which they have emerged. The first term will focus on New Religious Movements, 'Cults' and the New Age, while the second term will focus on innovations within the Christian and Hindu traditions, and on millenarian movements and Carlo Cults.
• A chief aim of the course is to nurture an understanding of these developments in relation to broader processes of cultural change.

Learning Outcomes

• A systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of the topics covered, at least some of which is informed by the most recent research and methodologies.
• Understanding of the benefit of an interdisciplinary approach as a means of integrating wider fields of study.

• Skill in descriptive techniques in the study of religion.
• Competence in critical evaluation grounded in informed personal judgement.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2,500 word essay.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University