Religion and Politics

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

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

RELV228 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 politics in modern societies
  • has acquaintance with some methods and methodological problems and a selection of theoretical perspectives used as scientific and scholarly tools in the analysis of religion and politics
  • has the capability of putting the knowledge about religion and politics in relation to the history of religions in general
  • has knowledge about new and earlier research and about important issues relevant for the study of religion and politics, pertaining to the social sciences as well as to the humanities

Skills

The student

  • has the capability of analysing a complex theme and of drawing conclusions of one's own
  • has the capability of critically examining 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

Full-time/Part-time

Full time

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn, but not regularly.

Place of Instruction

Bergen
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
RELV228 overlaps with RELV328, and the two courses cannot be combined. 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
10 lectures, in total 20 hours
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
None
Forms of Assessment

Written school exam (up to 3000 words) of 6 hours

The test consists of an essay as well as 10 questions to be answered briefly. The 10 questions count as 20% and the essay as 80% of the total score.

The exam assignment will be given in English.

The exam can be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

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

Autumn, but not regularly.

There will also be assessment early in the spring semester following the semester of instruction.

Reading List

The reading list runs to about 1000-1500 pages.

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

Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated regularly.
Examination Support Material
If the course is given in English, a non encyclopedic dictionary between your own language and English is permitted. You may bring your dictionary to the exam location. The teacher will check the dictionary at the exam location.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions
Course Coordinator
The Programme Committe 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)