course-details-portlet

RVI1010

Theories of Religion

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

Specific goals:

  • critically assess the concept of religion and its use
  • identify and summarize central research perspectives in the study of religion
  • apply theoretical concepts and models to an empirical material

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge, skills and general competence):

Knowledge

The candidate has

  • basic knowledge of the historical development of and contemporary positions in religious studies
  • basic knowledge of central theoretical traditions in the study of religion
  • basic knowledge of the central methods of the subject

Skills

The candidate can

  • analyze and evaluate academic texts
  • apply relevant analytical models and basic methods to an empirical material

General competence

The candidate has

  • basic insight into the concept of religion and religious studies as a subject
  • experience in planning and executing a written essay with a defined length

Learning methods and activities

Instruction consists of lectures and seminars.

In order to sit the exam students must get participation in a seminar/village approved (includes 80% attendance, up to six approved village activities individually or in a group, and a written assignment). For more information on the obligatory activity, see Blackboard.

The obligatory activity can only be approved in the semester when the course is taught, but is valid in this and the subsequent term. Obligatory activities which are older than two semesters can be accepted but must be applied for and assessed for alignment with current obligatory activities and requirements for exam preparation.

Compulsory assignments

  • Up to six approved village activities individually or in a group
  • Approved written assignment
  • 80% attendance in village

Further on evaluation

Evaluation by 5-day off campus exam.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
HFRVI102 7.5 sp
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Comparative Religion

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Duration 5 days Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Duration 5 days Exam system Inspera Assessment