REL415 Religion and Society 2: Religion in the World

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in Religion, Philosophy and Society
• Master's Programme in Sociology and Social Work

Teaching language

Norwegian.

Prerequisites

As for the Master Programme.

Course contents

The course provides knowledge about issues such as religious cooperation, conflicts and other patterns of interaction. Additionally, the course looks at various forms of religious pluralism and religious change, which is done through theoretical and empirical perspectives. The course also focus on pluralisation of religion and spirituality in the Western world, as well as various forms of secular worldviews. Furthermore, the course is preoccupied with the relationship between religion, politics and the sate in different parts of the world. The course addresses various religious traditions within the five world religions. Theoretical approaches used are sociology of religion, recent history of religion, religious studies, and ethics.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student will have

• extensive knowledge of the current global religious landscape

• extensive knowledge about different religions and beliefs interacting with each other in different societies and cultures

• skill in using various theoretical approaches to the study of religion, including sociological approaches, recent history of religion, religious studies and ethical theories.

• the ability to apply relevant theories and methods of interpretation of the relationship between religion and society in different parts of the world.
  

Examination requirements

An 8-page essay is to be presented orally in a seminar and in its written version approved by the teacher. Further information when semester starts.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars.

Expected workload: approx.400 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes.

Assessment methods and criteria

Six-hour written examination. Graded assessment.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
REL421 – Religion and Society 2: Religion in the World	15
REL409 – Religious Diversity in Asia	10