Introduction to the Study of Religion
approaching a non-devotional study of religion, belief and ritual
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What You Will Learn!
- learn main methods in the study of religion
- critically think about the role of religion in every day life
- understand classical and contemporary approaches to the study of religion
- explore religion through social scientific lenses
Description
This class is a non-devotional approach to the study of religion, and not a theological one. This course will not provide value judgements on particular religions, nor on religion in general. If you are interested in this type of approach to the study of religion, please find another course more suited to your needs.
In this course, you will explore several of the different ways people have understood, analysed and defined religion. By moving through many of the elements of life people often associate with religion, we will move through understandings and ways of approaching the study of religion. Each will provide new avenues to see the impact religion has on people, and the way people impact religion. Lectures are accompanied by worksheets with extra information and associated peer reviewed articles and book chapters.
By a non-devotional approach, we will be utilising sociology and anthropology, alongside the general study of religion. We look at how humans approach something divine, and how some try to explain the unexplainable.
This course is divided into seven sessions:
(1) What is Religion, and what is the study of religion?
(2) Religion and Belief
(3) Religion and Ritual
(4) Religion and Mythology
(5) Religion and Pilgrimage
(6) Religious Symbols
(7) Conclusion and Congratulations!
Who Should Attend!
- Beginning scholars interested in new approaches to religion