Course content

Specific Course Objectives:
- Define and critically assess the concept of religion and be able to characterize different definitions of the term
- Identify and summarize the main research traditions and their models in the study of religion
- Apply theoretical models to an empirical matter using primary and secondary texts.

Learning outcome

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

Knowledge:
The candidate has attained
- basic knowledge of the historical development and present situation of the discipline of Religious Studies
- basic knowledge of the main theoretical traditions in the study of religion
- basic knowledge of the core methodological approaches used in the discipline

Skills:
The candidate has acquired skills to
- analyze and evaluate primary and secondary sources
- apply relevant analytical models and basic methods to empirical material

Learning methods and activities

Instruction consists of lectures, seminars and group work. Part of the lectures may be held in English. In order to sit the exam students must attend at least 80 % of the regular lectures, and pass and complete (80 % attendance) online activities and peer-group work. The obligatory course requirements can only be approved in the semester when the course is taught, but are valid in this and the subsequent term.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation and completion of peer-group activities
• Participation and completion of online activities
• 80 % attendance at regular lectures

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions