Religion and Media

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Full-time/Part-time

Full time

Teaching semester

Spring, 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 media, especially in the contemporary world, and of some methods and theoretical perspectives used in the analysis of these relations.

RELV230 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 relations between religion and various types of media, both in an historical and contemporary context.
• is acquainted with some methods and theories used for the analysis of religion and media, as well as critical perspectives related to these.
• has the capability of putting the knowledge about religion and media in relation to the history of religions in general.
• has the capability of challenging general preconceptions on religion, media and their interplay.

Skills:

The student

• has the capability of analysing a complex theme and of drawing conclusions of 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

RELV230 overlaps with RELV330, and the two courses should not 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

Approximately 10 lectures/seminars, totally 20 hours

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

None

Forms of Assessment

The examination consists of one assigned essay of about 1500 words (30%) and one final essay of about 6000 words (70%). Both must be passed in order to pass the course.

Examination Support Material

None

Grading Scale

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

Assessment Semester

Spring.

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

Reading List

The reading list consists of 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)