Religions, and the study of them, do not exist in a vacuum. Ideas and practices of religion have been deeply influenced by broader understandings of society, science, identity, and power. This module develops students critical understanding of the core texts and complex concepts of a selection of key modern critical thinkers. The module will examine how each thinker/text impacts on, and can be applied to, theology and the study of religion. By focusing on only a few core texts the module will also build students’ key analytical and critical thinking skills.
An indicative list of thinkers includes Agamben, Baudrillard, Butler, Foucault, Habermas, Haraway, bell hooks, Levi-Strauss. Three of these or similar will be studied in any given iteration of the module.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of complex concepts relating to modernity, science and society in reference to issues of religion, as introduced and argued through critical thinkers;
Apply convincingly complex concepts and arguments of the key thinkers/texts studied to questions posed in the disciplines of theology and/or religious studies;
demonstrate an ability to critically interrogate the logic, arguments and evidence marshalled by the thinkers and in the texts studied.
Assessment
36101-01 : 2500 word essay : Coursework (50%)
36101-02 : 2500 word critical review : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 2,500 word Essay (50%) And 1 X 2,500 word Critical Response (50%).
