Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module THEO3641: Structuralism. Myth and Ritual
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO3641:
Structuralism. Myth and Ritual
Type |
Open |
Level |
3 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Not available in 2015/16 |
Module Cap |
None. |
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
Aims
- To enable students to engage critically with Structuralist theory and methodology.
- To enable them to engage in a creative application of Structuralism to a body of mythic or ritual data with the
goal of producing an original Structuralist analysis of that material.
- To broaden students' understanding of religion through critical engagement with a specific form of analysis.
Content
- A critical analysis of the key Structuralist texts, both theoretical and ethnographic. This covers both classical
and neoStructuralist
thought.
Specific engagement with Structuralist analyses of different aspects of Biblical, Christian and Jewish culture
(both ancient and modern).
A focus on Structuralist methodology to enable students to critically apply that methodology to a body of
empirical data.
An emphasis throughout the module (through formative seminar presentations and discussions) on the
individual original research as a means of developing skills and critical engagement with the material.
Learning Outcomes
- A systematic understanding of key aspects of structuralist theory, and a coherent knowledge of the topics
covered.
- The ability of apply structuralist methodology to a body of empirical data.
- Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of
information in written and oral form.
- Skills in critical analysis and the exercise of independent judgement, including the ability to assess the critical
ideas of others.
- Oral communication and presentation skills, including the use of technology and/or audiovisual
equipment to
convey information clearly and effectively.
- Time management
skills developed through independent study in preparation for seminar presentations and
essays.
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 subjectmatter,
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.
- Summative essays assess subjectspecific
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.
- Seminar presentations enhance subjectspecific
knowledge and understanding through critical engagement
with fellow students and staff, along with skills relating to the organization of information needed for oral (and
visual through power point) presentation.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
lectures |
19 |
weekly in MT, ET |
1 |
19 |
|
seminars |
11 |
alternate weeks in MT, ET, weeks 1-3 in EaT |
1 |
11 |
|
preparation |
|
|
|
170 |
|
total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Essay 1 |
Component Weighting: 25% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Essay 1 |
1500 words |
100% |
|
Component: Essay 2 |
Component Weighting: 50% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Essay 2 |
3000 words |
100% |
|
Component: Seminar presentation |
Component Weighting: 25% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Presentation |
30 minutes |
100% |
|
<enter text as appropriate for the module>
■ 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