"False"
Skip to content
printicon
Main menu hidden.
Syllabus:

History of Religion: Master Course, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Religionshistoria: magisterkurs

This syllabus is valid: 2025-01-20 and until further notice

Course code: 1RE205

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Religion and Theology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Responsible department: Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies

Revised by: Head of Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, 2024-11-06

Contents

The course deals with theory, method, and research within the history of religions. This means, among other things, that the course includes an in-depth study of the concept of religion and other concepts pertaining to the field, the research history of the subject, source-critical problems, ritual studies, and some contemporary theories of history of religions. 

Within the framework of the course, central theories, and methods within the field of history of religions are treated, both historically and today. This includes, among other things, the history and use of the concept of religion, comparison as a method and contemporary theories of ritual and religion. The module also deals with methods within history of religions.

 

Expected learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student will be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding:  

  • account for a number of central theories in research in the field of history of religions; 
  • account for a number of central methods in research in the field of history of religions;
  • account for the essential theoretical and research historical foundations for today's field of history of religions;  
     

Skills and Abilities:  

  • present theory, method and research within the field of history of religions in an academic way; 
  • independently identify theoretical and methodological problems that may arise in empirical studies of religion in history and the present; 
     

Judgement and Approach:  

  • independently and critically analyze research within the field of history of religions; 
  • demonstrate insight into research ethical issues.

Required Knowledge

90 credits of religious studies / theology, of which 15 credits of religious studies at bachelor's level or teacher education towards the later years of compulsory school or upper secondary school where the subject of religion is included.

Form of instruction

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, seminars and/or individual supervision. The exact design of the teaching is determined, among other things, by the number of students on the course.

Examination modes

Exams takes place in the form of written and oral tests. The tests are assessed with the grades Pass with Distinction, Pass, Fail.  

The examination consists of an oral part of 3 credits and a written part of 4.5 credits as well as a written assignments of a total of 7.5 credits. For the grade Pass with Distinction on the entire course, at least the grade Pass with Distinction of a total of 12 credits is required.  

Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students and a copy of the exam has been made available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one more re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular exam. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined. 

The examiner can decide to adapt the form of examination, specified in the syllabus, to accommodate a student's needs. Individual adaptation of the form of examination should be considered according to a student's needs. Any change to the form of examination must be made within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request it from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. It is the examiner who decides on the adapted examination and then notifies the student.  

 

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University. 

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued. 

Literature

The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.