Course content

The course serves as preparation for the master's thesis. A central question is: What is necessary to accomplish a research project? The course will make students aware of different types of material used in research, how to analyze each type appropriately, and also provide a overview of relevant methods of research and the consequences the choice of method has for the outcome of a project.

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 various methods applied in religious studies research
• knowledge of the different types of material used in religious studies research
• knowledge specifically of text materials and hermeneutics
• knowledge of the ethical implications involved in the use of methods in religious studies

Skills

The candidate has acquired skills to

• analyse various types of material concerning religion: texts, sound recordings, photos and video recordings
• collect independently various forms of material concerning religion
• produce academic accounts analysing research materials
• assess the use of methods and materials in projects presented in religious studies
• carry out an ethical assessment of methods and materials in current religious studies research

General competence

The candidate has

• competence in designing research projects and questions related to the use of methods
• experience in planning and executing a written essay with a defined length and through successive stages

Learning methods and activities

The instruction consists of lectures and seminars with an emphasis on the latter.

In order to take the exam a project description of the master's thesis must be submitted and approved by the tutor.

Compulsory assignments

• Project description

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the Master's programme in Religious Studies.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions