Theology and Religion
Religion in the Modern World
- Overview
- Module description
Religion in the Modern World (THE1076)
| Staff | Dr David Tollerton - Convenor |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 15 |
| ECTS Value | 7.5 |
| NQF Level | 4 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Duration of Module | Term 1: 11 weeks; |
Module aims
This module aims to:
- Introduce you to the modern phenomenon of religion
- Introduce key issues pertaining to religion in the modern world, e.g., whether the state can and/or should be neutral regarding matters of religion; selected debates about secularisation in the UK and Western Europe; and new models of religious pluralism
- Help you to develop in an informed and questioning approach to religion in the modern world
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Demonstrate in writing awareness of the multi-faceted complexity of religion in the modern world, and in particular experiences of the Abrahamic faiths in Britain today
- 2. Demonstrate in writing a basic knowledge and understanding of debate about religion and politics
- 3. Show some ability to research, with guidance, the multidisciplinary issues raised by modern debate about religion
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 4. Demonstrate in writing a basic knowledge and understanding of major concepts and issues of modern debate surrounding religion, secularisation and religious pluralism, and to be aware of recent developments in the field
- 5. Begin, with guidance, to analyse key texts used in the modern study of religion
- 6. Demonstrate in writing awareness of how personal and communal identities and motivations are shaped by religion, how this has both constructive and destructive effects in societal life
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 7. Undertake directed written work within clear guidelines
- 8. Demonstrate the ability to summarise information accurately and fairly
- 9. Communicate clearly in written form, making use of selected textual sources and addressing sensitive topics with appropriate generosity
- 10. Demonstrate an awareness of the module as a learning community by listening to the viewpoints of others, contributing sensitively to discussion, and critically reflecting on the learning process
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- What is Religion?
- Church and State
- Religion and Freedom of Expression
- Exploring Secularism
- Judaism in Britain Today
- Islam in Britain Today
- Debates on Religious Diversity and Multiculturalism
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | 11 x 2-hour lectures (asynchronous) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 11 | 11 x 1-hour seminars (synchronous) |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Private Study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay plan | 500 words | 1-9 | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 40 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1800 words | 1-9 | Written |
| Blog piece | 40 | 800 words | 1-9 | Written |
| Participation | 10 | In-class participation | 10 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 1-9 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Blog piece | Blog piece | 1-9 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Participation | 30 minute 1-1 tutorial | 10 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Rex Ahdar and Ian Leigh, Religious Freedom in the Liberal State (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016).
- Grace Davie, Religion in Britain: A Persistent Paradox (Hoboken: Wiley, 2015).
- Gordon Lynch, The Sacred in the Modern World (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012).
- Linda Woodhead and Rebecca Catto, Religion and Change in Modern Britain (London: Routledge, 2012)
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1711
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
2009
Last revision date
27/04/2023
Key words search
Religion, secular, scripture
