Course content

The course will provide an introduction to contemporary religion with an emphasis on modern religious movements in Europe and North America. The student will learn about the contemporary and historical background of modern religious movements, and learn how various sections of society react to them. The interplay between society and religion is emphasized. The course will consider various topics of contemporary religion, such as:

• The sociology of modern religions,
• Essential doctrines of New Age religions,
• Modern apocalyptic movements,
• UFO-religions,
• Neo-paganism,
• Anti-cult movements,
• Theories of secularization and modernity,
• Radicalization and extremism.

The course will also provide further study of the methodological and theoretical issues related to the study of religion, as well as deeper study of selected topics in the history of the disciplin. The course will thereby provide a further understanding of various approaches, how theories are formed, and related issues.

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 attained

• knowledge of the background and expressions of new religious movements and the cultic milieu of contemporary Western societies, with an emphasis on new religious movements in Europe and North America
• knowledge of methods used in the study of this new religious landscape, as well as theories developed to understand and explain it
• knowledge of research on both organized and unorganized new religious expressions

Skills

The candidate has acquired skills to

• exert good scientific practice regarding sources and references
• apply research on contemporary religion to research questions and make well-founded decisions
• account for, compare, analyse and discuss sources and research

General competence

The candidate has

• insight into the contemporary and historical background for new religious movements, as well as the various societal reactions to them
• insight into conspiracy theories and extremism
• experience in planning and executing a written essay with a defined length and through successive stages

Learning methods and activities

Instruction consists of lectures and seminars.

In order to take the exam the student must complete tutorials and submit a written assignment (2000-2500 words). 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

• Completed tutorials
• Approved written assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

Skills equivalent to one year of university studies, including basic courses in religious studies.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions