Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module THEO3371: RELIGIOUS INNOVATIONS
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO3371:
RELIGIOUS INNOVATIONS
Type |
Open |
Level |
3 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Not available in 2015/16 |
Module Cap |
|
Location |
Durham
|
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
Excluded Combination of Modules
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
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
22 |
weekly |
1 hour |
22 |
■ |
Tutorials |
2 |
Once per term for first two terms |
1 hour |
2 |
■ |
Seminars |
4 |
|
1 hour |
4 |
■ |
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 50% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
unseen exam |
2 hours |
100% |
|
Component: Summative Essay |
Component Weighting: 50% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
essay |
3,000 words |
100% |
|
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