Religion and Media

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 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

Full-time/Part-time

Full time

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring, 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
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.

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

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 July 1st. for the autumn semester and by December 1st. for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation
The course unit will be evaluated regularly.
Examination Support Material
None
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)