Introductory description

This team-taught 1-term option complements other modules by focusing on the meanings and significance of 'religion' in a variety of historical settings. Rather than following a chronological structure or dealing with individual denominations, it examines religious issues through (a) the perspectives of different academic disciplines and (b) coverage of key themes. Students will be able to engage with the multiplicity of approaches pursued in the field more generally and by members of the History department in particular.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Introduction to the Study of Global Religions
Week 2: Emotions and Religion
Week 3: Sources and Concepts
Week 4: Religion and Imperialism
Week 5: Religion and Magic
[Reading Week]
Week 7: Religion and Violence
Week 8: Gender and Religion
Week 9: Tolerance and Intolerance
Week 10: Conclusions

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the pervasive significance of religion in past societies
• Place European developments into a wider global perspective
• Recognize key approaches and interpretations which different disciplines can bring to the study of religion
• Demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of the skills required by Humanities scholars
• Formulate and test hypotheses in a piece of critical and reflective writing

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes.

Transferable skills

See learning outcomes.