History of Religion: Master Course, 15 Credits

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. The course consists of two parts. 

Module 1: Theory and method of history of religions (7.5 credits). Within the framework of this part, 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.

Module 2: Current research (7.5 credits). Within the framework of this part, the student, in consultation with the examiner, chooses an in-depth study in a research area within the history of religions.

Expected learning outcomes

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

Knowledge and Understanding:  
* give an overview of a number of central theories 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;  
* present key ideas in the chosen area of ​​specialization. 

Skills and Abilities:  
* present theory, method and research with in 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; 
* show evidence of ability to plan studies with in the field of history of religions. 

Judgement and Approach:  
* independently and critically analyze current research with in the field of history of religions; 
* independently and critically analyze evidence and arguments in a central research area.

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, and Fail. 

The examination in module 1 consists of an oral and written part of 2.5 credits and a written part of 5 credits. In module 2, the examination consists of 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 10 credits is required. 

Students who have passed may not undergo further examination for higher grades. For those students who have not been approved at the regular examination opportunity, a re-examination is arranged within two months after the ordinary examination opportunity, and another within one year, so-called collection examination.  

Students who have twice failed an examination for a course or part of a course have the right at the next re-examination opportunity to request from the head of education at the Faculty of Humanities that a new examiner be appointed for future re-examinations unless there are special reasons to the contrary.  

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student.  

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. 

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.