BA Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology

This course will introduce students to key concepts and methods in the study of Religions and Theology through an examination of a range of religious thought and practice. The first weeks of the course introduce students to a range of theoretical elements in the study of religion and theology, as well as providing a grounding in important academic skills. Subsequent lectures examine significant themes such as conversion, suffering, science and gender, through studies of the life and thought of influential figures in the study of religion. These themes and thinkers change annually because the course is delivered by a number of lecturers, each teaching on their specialist subjects.

To introduce students to key questions and problems that arise from the academic study of a religions and theology.

To introduce students to a selection of influential thinkers and their works on religious thought and practice.

To enable students to make the transition into higher education by developing their study and other transferable skills (finding information, efficient reading, learning to think critically, working in groups, etc.).

To provide a range of methods of teaching in recognition of different learning styles and experience.

To help students to learn how to reflect on their own learning. 

2 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar weekly. 

The course will make use of PowerPoint presentations and to a range of digital humanities resources linked through Blackboard.

By the end of this course students should be able to: 

• Be aware of some of the intellectual history of religious ideas. 
• Understand and articulate some key concepts, questions and problems which are raised by the study of religious thought and practice. 
• Demonstrate an awareness of a range of key thinkers within the study of religions and theology. 
• Think critically about issues surrounding the methods for the study of religions and theology

By the end of this course students should be able to: 

• Provide analyses of primary sources from a range of religious contexts. 
• Use existing knowledge to assess the cogency and coherence of the arguments of others. 
• Develop and present a coherent argument with appropriate use of evidence and awareness of a range of alternative views. 
• Demonstrate written and oral skills of communication in relation to essay writing, oral presentation, active listening and putting forward students’ own views.

By the end of this course students should be able to: 

• Demonstrate familiarity with library and other information resources at Manchester 
• Evaluate, organise and present complex material, including in relation to both primary and secondary sources. 
• Demonstrate consistency and rigour in method and argument.
• Exercise some autonomy in the management of their own learning

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Communicate clearly in written and oral forms. 
• Reflect on their own learning. 
• Participate appropriately in a learning group. 
• Display an understanding of diverse methodological and religious viewpoints.

Written feedback provided for formative and summative assessment.

• Willi Braun and Russell McCutcheon (eds), Guide to the Study of Religion (London: Continuum, 2000). 
• John Hinnells (eds), Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion (London: Routledge Press, 2009). 
• Linda Woodhead and Rebecca Catto (eds.) Religion and Change in Modern Britain. E(Abingdon: Routledge, 2012). 
• Malory Nye, Religion: The Basics. 2nd ed. (London: Routledge, 2007). Thomas Dixon, How to Get a First: the Essential Guide to Academic Success (London: Routledge, 2004).