BA Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology / Course details

‘Interpreting Religion’ explores current methods in the academic study of religion and the role of spirituality in personal and public life. The course introduces students to a range of traditional and contemporary approaches to interpreting religion and also concentrates on the practical application of these methods to the undergraduate study of religion. It is intended as a preparation for dissertation study at Level 3. Part of the assessment profile of the course will require the student to write an essay on the subject of his/her intended dissertation.

• To enable students to be more reflective and self-aware about the methods of interpretation of traditional, classical and particularly new approaches in the study of religion
• To consider a range of types of research questions and approaches appropriate for Level 3 undergraduate dissertations
• To reflect on the practical problems of writing a good dissertation
• To develop analytical and presentational skills that are required for the Level 3 dissertation

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various historical and contemporary ways of approaching and interpreting religious material
• communicate orally and in written work a range of conceptual terms in the interpretation of religion

• Critically evaluate the ways in which different methods can inform a greater understanding of religious experience
• Comment upon the strengths and weaknesses on different academic approaches to the study of religion
• Identify and articulate the theoretical basis and objectives of their own proposal for dissertation study at Level 3

• Make clear arguments for and against different positions
• Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of analytical discussion in written work

• Day, Abby et al. (2013) Social identities between the sacred and the secular. Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate
• Gregg, Stephen E. & Scholefield, Lynne. (2015) Engaging with living religion: a guide to fieldwork in the study of religion. 1st ed. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
• Hinnells, John R. (2009) The Routledge companion to the study of religion. 2nd ed. London: Routledge
• Segal, Robert Alan. (2009) The Blackwell companion to the study of religion. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell
• Stausberg, Michael. & Engler, Steven. (2014) The Routledge handbook of research methods in the study of religion. London: Routledge