Study of Religions: Current Undergraduate Modules

Year 1

Introduction to Study of Religions I (Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism)

This module introduces Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism historically and thematically while raising issues about how these religions are studied in the context of wider academic debates. There is an opportunity to reflect upon beliefs and practices in each religion as well as areas of similarity and dissimilarity between them, In addition, questions are asked about the nature of 'Eastern religions' and the status of 'religion' itself.

Introduction to Study of Religions II (Islam, Christianity, Judaism)

This module introduces students to questions about the nature of religion and how to study it. It explores the traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam which have common Middle Eastern origins and share some significant beliefs and practices, through themes such as human nature and destiny, ultimate reality and the world, and ritual and iconography.

Introduction to Contemporary Spiritualities

This module considers the popularity of the term 'spirituality' and how it is used in different contexts. Is 'religion' being replaced by 'spirituality' in the contemporary world? It looks at a range of examples such as Paganism, Wicca, Goddess spirituality, New Religious Movements, and nineteenth century religious movements, such as Theosophy and Baha'i, to explore the range of spiritualities today.

Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Religions

This course introduces at least three interrelated contemporary issues in world religions: science and ecology, gender and sexuality, politics and nationalism. These issues will be discussed by comparing and contrasting classical and contemporary perspectives found in both Eastern and Western religious traditions in conversation with modern scholarship.

Year 2

Studying Religions (Compulsory)

This module explores the many and diverse approaches, theories and methods used in the study of religions, and gives students the opportunity of first hand experience of fieldwork in a religious community, by means of a one week placement (normally residential). Throughout the module, students will be challenged to argue critically for appropriate methodologies for their studies and research.

Ethics in Religious and Humanist traditions

This course investigates ethical questions from cross-cultural, religious and secular perspectives focusing on at least three religious and philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism, Christianity and Humanism. Students will explore methods and problems in contemporary ethical discourse, and apply these to a selection of issues such as medical ethics, human rights, peace and conflict.

Psychology of Religion

This module explores how religious beliefs, experiences and practices can be explained scientifically. The first half of the module focuses on some of the classical psychological accounts of religion, notably those of Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, William James and Abraham Maslow, while the second reflects on recent studies in the genetic, neurological and social sciences that attempt to answer the questions: why are humans religious and what effects does religiosity have?

Sociology of New Religious Movements

This module examines key concepts, theories and issues in the sociology of religion(s) such as secularisation theories, typologies of religious organizations and the impact of postmodernism. These are then used as tools for the analysis and understanding of the phenomena labelled 'new religious movements' (NRMs). Specific examples of NRMs will be examined in depth.

Buddhism*

This module examines the main practices and ideas which developed in Buddhism from its Indian origins to its manifestations in South and East Asia and the West. It will include the study of a selection of Buddhist texts, traditions and philosophies both Theravada and Mahayana, and practices such as meditation, ceremonies and artistic expression. It will also examine key debates in Buddhist history and modern Buddhism.

Christianity*

This module studies Christianity as a world religion in its many and varied expressions. It includes Jesus and the early church; major doctrinal developments to the present day; Christian denominations, the world-wide Church such as Christianity in India and Africa; famous Christians; festivals and ceremonies; interaction with other religions; issues such as Christianity and sexuality, gender, ecology and politics.

Hinduism*

This module provides an overview of Hindu belief and practice, and a critique of the concept of Hinduism. Themes include sacred texts, philosophy and theology, deities and devotion, the purpose and meaning of human life, and sacred time and space. It also covers movements of reform and revival, issues surrounding caste, class and the status of women, different models of nationalism, Hindus in diaspora and New Religious Movements.

Islam*

This module investigates Islam in its fullness and diversity. The approach will be both historical and thematic, exploring ideas and practices which have developed in Islam and which are important to contemporary Muslim identity. It provides students with a broad overview of the tradition, and includes the origins and development of Islam; the nature of prophecy; Islamic Law (shari'a); major sects and traditions; mystical and radical dimensions of Islam and Islam in the contemporary world.

Judaism*

This module studies Judaism in its diverse manifestations. It provides students with a broad overview of the tradition, and includes topics such as ritual and practice associated with home and synagogue; the Holocaust and its impact on Judaism; contested sacred space - the peace process and Israeli-Palestinian relations; Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism; feminist perspectives on Jewish life and Jews and Judaism in Britain.

Paganism and New Age*

Many modern sociologists have claimed that western societies are becoming increasingly secularised. This module explores a range of new religious movements and traditions that challenge this proposition. From the 'new' religious traditions of Paganism (including Druidry, Heathenism and Witchcraft) to the diverse spiritual beliefs and practices of the 'New Age', this module charts what some have termed a 'spiritual revolution' in the West.

Sikhism *

This module focuses on the development of Sikhism under the leadership of the ten Gurus and in subsequent centuries. It pays particular attention to the reforming efforts of Tat Khalsa in British India as decisive in shaping Sikh orthodoxy, but stresses the extent of past and present diversity. It also includes themes and issues such as the centrality of the Sikh holy book and the campaign for an independent Sikh state.

*Can also be studied at Honours Level if not taken in Year 2

Religion, Culture and Society in Korea*

This module consists of a four week summer school at Dongguk University in South Korea.  There will be taught courses on Buddhism and other aspects of  Korean religion, culture and society, as well as travel to places of religious and cultural interest and first hand contact with a variety of religious communities.  This module involves some extra costs for students, but grants may be available.

*Can also be studied at Honours Level if not already taken in Year 2.

Year 3

Buddhism in Practice

Combining 'theory' with 'practice,' this module enables students to understand complexity and variety in Buddhist traditions. Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Mahayana Buddhism in Japan will be discussed in detail. Questions raised include: What does it mean to be a Buddhist in different cultures? Are there characteristics which identify an individual or a particular culture as Buddhist? What are the problems in understanding and interpreting Buddhism?

Japanese Religions

This module explores Japanese religions and cultural contexts with two main objectives: to provide a historical overview of Japan's rich religious traditions and to examine some selected themes such as ancestor worship or abortion. Though this course attempts to cover a range of traditions, students will focus mainly on Buddhism and Shinto and their complex inter-relationship, questioning the notion of separate 'religions'.

Mysticism and Radicalism

This module studies two very different manifestations of religious belief and practice, those of mysticism and radicalism. It typically includes analysis of the various theoretical perspectives which contribute to an understanding of the terms 'mysticism' and 'radicalism' and case studies of modern and contemporary groups for example: the Mavlevi and Naqshabandi Sufi orders; Kabbalah; Gush Emmunin; Hizbollah; and Islamic Jihad.

Religion, Gender and Sexuality

This module critiques the heritage of Religious Studies from the standpoint of gender, assessing the impact of feminism on the subject and speculating about the possible future impact of queer perspectives. Reviewing different models of gender and sexuality, case studies drawn from various religions explore how the roles of men and women, celibacy and same-sex relationships are understood.

Religion and Education

This module examines the impact of religious and cultural plurality on education in a UK, European and global context. Topics include religious and cultural plurality, the relationship between religion and culture, religious education in a selection of different countries, the debate about faith-based schools, influential pedagogies, children's religious backgrounds, and teaching religions in a multifaith context.

Text and Context: Studying Hinduism through the Bhagavad Gita

This module uses the Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) as a way of examining Hinduism. Widely acclaimed as the most popular Hindu scripture and often described as the 'Hindu Bible', the Gita has attracted numerous commentaries, classical and contemporary, Eastern and Western, popular and scholarly. This literature is considered alongside various versions of the Gita in the light of current thinking on Hinduism.

Religion and the Locality

This module involves a research project on the religious scene in Bath and the South-West region (including Avebury, Bristol, Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Wells).  There are taught sessions examining relevant issues such as concepts of locality and religion in diaspora, and exploring examples of existing research.  Projects may concentrate upon a specific religious group such as Muslims in Bath, or a particular place of worship or a cross-religious theme (such as sacred space and sacred time; pilgrimage, tourism and heritage; and healing, the baths and the spa).

Dissertation

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills in Study of Religions through undertaking a long piece of individual research work. Compulsory for Single Honours students, the module is strongly recommended for any students contemplating postgraduate study and research.