History of Religion: Master Course, 15 credits

Contents

The course deals with theory, method and research within the history of religions. This includes, among other things, 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 and some contemporary theoretical frameworks in the discipline. The course highlights both historical and current research approaches and provides tools for analyzing religious expressions in various contexts.

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 in Religious Studies, of which at least 15 credits must be in History of Religions at the Bachelor's level, or a teacher education degree for upper primary or secondary school where Religious Education is included, and the course Research Methods in Religious Studies – Bachelor's level, 15 credits, or equivalent.

English 6/ level 2 and Swedish for basic eligibility for higher education studies (if the course is taught in Swedish).

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

Knowledge assessment is conducted through written and oral examinations. Oral examinations are graded as Pass or Fail. Written examinations are graded as Pass with Distinction, Pass or Fail.

The course is divided into two modules. Each module includes both written and oral components, which together form the basis for the final grade of the module. The module grade is awarded using the grades Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail. To receive a grade of Pass with Distinction in a module, the student must achieve Pass with Distinction on the written components and at least Pass on the oral components.

To receive a grade of Pass with Distinction for the entire course, the student must achieve Pass with Distinction in both modules and at least Pass in other components that are assessed with the grades Pass or Fail.

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.