This course examines the categories of 'mysticism' and 'spirituality' and the phenomena they are said to denote from a philosophical, historical and interpretive-textual perspective. We shall explore the key debates that have dominated the academic study of mysticism and spirituality alongside key mystical traditions, philosophies, texts and figures from a variety of world religions (normally including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam).

Lectures: - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm over 10 teaching weeks as scheduled on mycampus

None

Coursework: one 2500 word essay (50%)

Examination: one 90 minute exam (50%)

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ introduce students to key themes and debates in the field of the comparative study of mysticism and spirituality; to explore the history of the construction of the categories of "mysticism" and "spirituality" and the relationship between these constructions and questions of power and authority 

■ examine a variety of mystical texts, teachings and figures from a variety of religious traditions 

■ explore the continuities and discontinuities between pre-modern mystical texts understood in their historical and cultural context and contemporary interpretations from East and West.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ analyse the historical development of the categories of "the mystical," "mysticism", and "spirituality"

■ offer an analysis of the mystical in relation to a specific religious tradition, text or figure

■ outline and discuss a key debate within the comparative study of mysticism and spirituality..

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.