Religion, Culture, and Controversy provides students with an overview of methodologies for the study of religion (historical, anthropological, literary, etc.) through the exploration of contemporary issues, controversial topics, and themes in popular culture.

4 x one hour sessions per week (lecture/seminar varied) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

None

N/A

Examination (90 minute duration) - 50%
Essay (1,750 words) - 40%
portfolio of in-class response papers of which students must submit 8 of 10 assignments (each assignment no more than 250 words) - 10%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below.

Portfolio is not available for reassessment. 

This course will provide the opportunity to: 

■ introduce students to the major approaches to the study of religion;

■ introduce students to some of the controversies concerning religion and contemporary culture;

■ develop students' understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of religion;

■ nurture the ability to ask independent questions and to experiment with original responses.

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

■ identify and evaluate major methodological approaches to the study of religion ;

■ apply at least one of these approaches in an analysis of a religious text, practice, or controversy

■ engage in interdisciplinary inquiry in relation to religion and culture.

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