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Prerequisites
Taught by
Language of instruction
Duration
Identical coursesIntroduction to Religious Studies (B-KUL-A07A7A)
This course is taught every three years (2024-2025, 2027-2028...)Aims
At the end of this course, students will be able to
- understand how religious studies relates to theology
- recognize and explain the central theories, methods and key concepts of religious studies.
- offer a well-argued definition of religion and critically evaluate different definitions of religion.
- reflect on the difference between an insiders’ view of religion and that of an ‘external’ view arising from a hermeneutic of suspicion, and the challenges of both views.
- Consider religion in relation to gender and race
Previous knowledge
No specific prerequisites apart from sufficient knowledge of English and proficiency with Toledo and internet.
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
A02A5A : Inleiding in de religiewetenschappen (No longer offered this academic year)
Is included in these courses of study
- Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Abridged Programme) (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) (Minor Liberal Arts with Language Track French) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) (Minor Liberal Arts with Language Track German) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) (Minor Theology and Religious Studies) 180 ects.
Activities
4 ects. Introduction to Religious Studies (B-KUL-A07A7a)
Content
This course is an introduction to the theory, method and key concepts of religious studies. As such, it offers its participants the skills to analyze cultural traditions from a sociological, critical theory, and cultural studies perspective.
During the course, we will read the book A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion (2017) by Craig Martin, and attempt to apply its theory to texts and rituals students are familiar with. Students are assessed by means of a written exam with open questions.
Course material
Study material (articles, ppt) will be made available via Toledo.
Format: more information
Discussion - Presentation
The course will consist of interactive lectures in which the texts will be explained and discussed plenary, including presentations led by students.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Introduction to Religious Studies (B-KUL-A27A7a)
Explanation
Students are assessed by means of a written exam with open questions.
Information about retaking exams
The same characteristics of evaluation and determining the results as describeld above for the first examination opportunity will apply to the second opportunity.