MA Religions and Theology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Directed Reading 15cr

Course unit fact file
Unit code RELT61151
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

A ‘Directed Reading’ course-unit allows you to explore a particular topic in Religions and Theology which is relevant to your wider research interests but is not covered by the regular menu of course-units offered by the department. This is an independent study unit, supported by regular supervision (on a one-to-one or small-group basis) from a member of academic staff with expertise in your chosen field. It is assessed by an extended essay on a topic devised by you, in consultation with your supervisor.  Where appropriate, Directed Reading study will be further supported by ‘auditing’ (that is: attending lectures and seminars of) a relevant higher-level undergraduate course-unit. Capacity on Directed Reading units is limited: if you are interested in taking this option, you should discuss your plans with the Programme Director at the earliest possible opportunity. Enrolment in this course unit is subject to the approval of the Programme Director. 

Aims

  • To explore a particular topic in the study of religions, theology, or philosophy independently and in depth. 
  • To develop skills in independent research, and in writing up the results of that research. 
  • In particular, to enhance students’ skills in synthesising, and critically engaging with, current scholarship on a particular topic in the study of religions, theology, or philosophy , and their skills in close reading of ancient texts and other evidence. 
  • To prepare for and enhance your knowledge and research skills as preparation for your MA dissertation project.  

Knowledge and understanding

  • Detailed knowledge of a particular topic in the study of religions, theology, or philosophy  
  • Detailed and critical understanding of the current state of scholarship on that topic, and the ways in which that scholarship might be developed. 
  • Detailed knowledge and understanding of primary and secondary sources relevant to the chosen topic. 

Intellectual skills

  • the ability to define a research problem and devise a solution to it 
  • the ability to organise complex arguments 
  • the ability to demonstrate advanced analytical skills, to evaluate ancient texts, and to engage critically with secondary scholarship 

Practical skills

  • independent research skills  
  • the ability to design and write a lengthy (3,000 words)  piece of work;  
  • skills in finding and use a wide range of research materials, including pertinent scholarly works. 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written assignment (inc essay) 100%

Study hours

Independent study hours
Independent study 150

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