THEOREL 319

Theory and Method in Religious Studies

Description

This course examines some key theories and methods that are used in the multidisciplinary study of religion and will demonstrate the range of possibilities as practiced by staff (textual, historical, social-scientific, feminist/queer, psychological).

How do scholars determine what constitutes religion? What counts as data in the study of religion? How are these data collected, analysed, and interpreted? What is religious experience and how does one study it? How do institutional expressions of religion change over time? How does the understanding of “religion” vary from culture to culture or even between individuals and groups within one society? Is religion in decline today or simply changing form? How does one study the role of religion in popular culture? What role does religion play in shaping the values and political culture of a society, including issues relating to gender, race, sexuality, and other markers of identity?

 

Assessment:

Coursework only

For full course information see the Digital Course Outline.

Digital Course Outlines will be refreshed around November/December.

Availability 2025

Not taught in 2025

Lecturer(s)

TBA

Points

THEOREL 319: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points at Stage II from the BA Schedule