History of Religions, advanced course, 30 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

At least a passing grade in the course Religious Studies - History of Religions, Thesis, 15 HE credits, or the equivalent. In addition to the above, documented knowledge in Swedish and English is required, equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle studies.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- account for theories and methods of analysis of history of religions and religious anthropology
- independently and critically review sources, texts and fieldwork by using scientific methods
- analyse and critically relate to scientific monographs
- separate scientific and religious terminology
- independently formulate an issue in the subject areas of history of religions or religious anthropology, and with scientific approach examine it by means of the theories and method traditions of the discipline.

Course content

Theories and methods of history of religions and religious anthropology; in-depth studies of a specific field of religious studies; independent examination of an issue the subject areas history of religions or religious anthropology, which is presented in writing and defended at an essay seminar.

Teaching and working methods

The course consists of three parts. The first and the second modules comprise 7.5 HE credits each and run in parallel during the first part of the semester.
In the first module, the teaching is seminar-based. The student should be well prepared for the seminars, and participate actively and constructively in the seminar discussions.
In the second module, the work mainly consists of independent literature studies. In consultation with the supervisor, the student establishes a reading list that is presented at a seminar or individually.
The final module consists of independent essay work, with the teacher support in the form of supervision. Also included in the module is publicly discussing and examining others' theses. The students should also study independently.

Examination

Submitted written assignments constitute the basis for the examination of the first two modules. To pass the course, active and constructive participation in the seminars is required. The thesis course is examined through a review of the independent assignment and a defence of it.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department