Religion and Science

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Teaching semester

Autumn, but not regularly

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The objective of the course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of different relations between religion and science, especially in the modern and early modern world, and of some methods and theoretical perspectives used in the analysis of these relations.

The course unit can be studied at 200 and 300 level, and it can be included as an independent unit in a Bachelor's or a Master's Programme. RELV213 is an optional unit within the Bachelor Programme in the Study of Religions.

Learning Outcomes

The student shall by the end of the course have gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

• has basic knowledge of various types of relations between religion and science, especially in modern and early modern Europe, but also in selected other societies
• has acquaintance with some methods and methodological problems and a selection of theoretical perspectives used for the analysis of religion and science
• has the capability of putting the knowledge about religion and science in relation to the history of religions in general and challenging general preconceptions on religion and science and their interplay

Skills:

The student

• has the capability of analysing a complex theme and of drawing conclusions on one¿s own, critically examining cases, theories and methods
• has the capability of writing a coherent analytical text, thereby demonstrating a capacity for using the norms and techniques of academic writing

General competence:

The student

• has practice in handling large quantities of information and literature within a short time period, and of interpreting and presenting information

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

The student should have a sound knowledge of English since the course literature and the lectures are in English.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

Due to course overlap, students can not take RELV213 as well as RELV313.

If combined, the outcome of credits will be reduced with 15 ECTS credits.

Access to the Course

The course is open to students enrolled in the University of Bergen

Teaching and learning methods

Approximately 10 lectures/seminars, totally 20 hours.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

None

Forms of Assessment

Portfolio assessment consisting of one assigned book review of up to 1500 words (20%), two assigned essays of up to 1500 words each (each 20%), and one final essay of up to 3000 words (40%).

Examination Support Material

-

Grading Scale

A graded marking scale (A to F) is used. A is the top grade and F means Failed.

Assessment Semester

Autumn.

Examination is only possible in terms when the course is taught.

Reading List

The reading list runs to about 1000-1500 pages.

The reading list is published by June 1st. for the autumn semester and by December 1st. for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

The course unit will be evaluated regularly.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions

Course Coordinator

The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions, Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies- and Religion (AHKR)

Course Administrator

Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies- and Religion (AHKR)