PPR.209: Philosophers on Religion

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS

Course Description

Topics to be covered include: Plato and his Influence on Augustine; Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God; Aquinas' Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God and his' 'theory' of analogy; the contrasting method of Duns Scotus; The Rationalism of René Descartes and the Empiricism of John Locke; The Scepticism of David Hume; Paley's Design Argument and Hume's Objections; Kant's System of Metaphysics and his Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone; Hegel and Kierkegaard; Wittgenstein's Philosophy and its Implications for Religious Belief.

Educational Aims

This course will give students knowledge and understanding of important philosophical arguments, will introduce them to demanding primary texts from various periods in western history; will train them to read these texts closely, both empathetically and critically; will equip them to understand, analyse and criticise the arguments contained therein; will train them to formulate their own arguments and positions with respect to the questions raised in the course.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

PPR.251: Islam: Tradition, Community and Contemporary Challenges

• Terms Taught:  Lent/Summer Terms Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: At least one entry-level course in religion.

Course Description

This module examines the historical formation of Islam; its renewal movements past and present; and modern reform discourses on gender, politics, and law. The aim is to gain an understanding of continuities and discontinuities in the Islamic tradition in relation to religious authority, theology, politics and contemporary practice. Some of the topics studied include: the formation of Shari'a (Islamic law); competing Sunni and Shi'i orthodoxies; the rise of radical political movements and global Jihad; Islamic feminisms; Islam and the West; and Islam in Britain. The module offers a strong foundation for more specialised study in second and third year courses.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Survey and critically examine the main themes, key concepts, debates and approaches to the study of Islam in the modern world.
• Develop an analytical and interpretative framework within which to situate modern Muslim discourses on tradition and reform in a historical context.

Outline Syllabus

Topics studied will typically include:

• The Prophet: Muhammad as messenger, leader and exemplar
• Revelation: The Quran as event, text and doctrine
• The Community : Caliphate, Sunni orthodoxy and alternative visions
• The Juristic Tradition: Jurisprudence, sharia and normative Islam
• Key issues in modern Islam:
• Islamic Reform: Early reform, the challenges of modernity and modernist reformers
• The Islamic Revival: Islamism and the Islamic state
• Islamic feminism and liberal Islam
• Salafism and jihadism in a global age
• Islam in Europe: Religious identity, Islamic activism and the representation of Islam

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

PPR.254: Religion in Society: Theories and Methods

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: At least one entry-level course in religion.

Educational Aims

The module aims to :

• Survey and critically examine the theoretical frameworks, methods and approaches used to study religion sociologically
• Engage students with contrasting empirical studies of religion, focussing particularly on religion in modern Britain
• Enable students to develop their own sociologically informed questions about religion that can serve as a basis for further enquiry
• Encourage students to consider the value of conducting their own field research if they choose a dissertation module (using the subject specific skills gained in the module)

Outline Syllabus

Topics to be studied will typically include:

• Studying religion in society
• Defining and measuring religiosity
• Understanding religions and their participants
• Classical foundations: Marx, Weber and Durkheim
• Contemporary debates
• Religious socialisation
• Teenage religion
• Religiosity in modernity

Assessment Proportions

• Exam: 60%
• Coursework: 40%

PPR.261: Exploring Global Religions

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: At least one entry-level course in religion.

Course Description

The course will begin by introducing concepts of politics, religion and values and using contemporary case studies to illustrate how they operate and interact. It will highlight and illustrate the deep-seated role of values in both politics and religion.

The first half of the course will then introduce classic theories and concepts of politics, religion, and values. The second half of the course will apply the theories and concepts critically to a series of historical and contemporary case studies chosen to ensure topicality as well as historical breadth and a global spread. These might include, for example, the rise of European nation states (how politics, religion and values worked together), Culture Wars in the USA, religious politics in India since the 1990s, and controversies over religion and schooling worldwide.

The course will conclude by considering integrating theories that make sense of the convergence of politics, religion and values (e.g. theories of ‘civil religion’, ‘new social movements’, ‘identity politics’ and ‘values-based politics’). The course will end with methodological reflection on the nature of the methods that have been in play during the course, and on combinations of methods for studying PRV. There will be plenty of room for student input and choice of cases in this module, and the entire course will be interactive and encourage students to integrate learning from other parts of their studies. It will provide a good theoretical basis for them to do so.

Educational Aims

The module will provide students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to:

• Recognise and analyse texts from several disciplines, demonstrating awareness of their different perspectives and uses, and ability to assess the strength of competing approaches and interpretations.
• Formulate evidence-based opinions verbally and in writing and communicate clearly, with the written and spoken word. Develop confidence and skill in analysis and discussion, and deepen critical skills.
• Improve analytical, written and verbal skills through course reading, essay-writing, and workshop discussions.
• Discuss and analyse empirical cases, by identifying salient aspects for analysis, theories that can be deployed, and disciplinary approaches that can be used.
• Deepen disciplinary understanding and also show how disciplinary perspectives may need to be challenged by other disciplines, thus building an interdisciplinary awareness.

Outline Syllabus

Politics can be defined as involving the legitimate exercise of coercive power, religion as involving the control of symbolic power. Both also involve values. Values have to do with what is perceived as good for the individual and society. Values can be expressed in norms, symbols, narratives and action. They shape identity and help bind people together and set them apart. By understanding politics, religion and values as overlapping categories, we can attain a fuller understanding of each. The course will begin by introducing concepts of politics, religion and values and using contemporary case studies to illustrate how they operate and interact. It will highlight and illustrate the deep-seated role of values in both politics and religion. The first half of the course will then introduce classic theories and concepts of politics, religion, and values. The second half of the course will apply the theories and concepts critically to a series of historical and contemporary case studies chosen to ensure topicality as well as historical breadth and a global spread. These might include, for example, the rise of European nation states (how politics, religion and values worked together), Culture Wars in the USA, religious politics in India since the 1990s, and controversies over religion and schooling worldwide. The course will conclude by considering integrating theories that make sense of the convergence of politics, religion and values (e.g. theories of 'civil religion', 'new social movements', 'identity politics' and 'values-based politics'). The course will end with methodological reflection on the nature of the methods that have been in play during the course, and on combinations of methods for studying PRV. There will be plenty of room for student input and choice of cases in this module, and the entire course will be interactive and encourage students to integrate learning from other parts of their studies. It will provide a good theoretical basis for them to do so. Typical areas of study will include:

• the concepts of politics, religion and values and issues of their interrelations
• theories of politics
• theories of religion (substantive and functional)
• theories of value (deontological, consequentialist, teleological, relational)
• case studies examining the growth of modern European nation states (how politics, religion and values work together), Culture Wars in the USA (clashing binary clusters of politics, religion, and values), Religious politics in India since the 1990s,
• theories of the convergence of politics, religion and values (e.g. theories of 'civil religion', 'political religion' and 'alues-based politics')
• theories of the clash of politics, religion and values (e.g. 'social identity theory', theories of religious violence)

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

PPR.355: Body in Text: Politics of Gender in Islam

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits.
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits.
• Pre-requisites: You must have undertaken relevant previous studies in religion and/or philosophy.

Course Description

This module aims to:

- Introduce students to the study of key Islamic texts e.g. The Qur’an, its history and its interpretation in relation to gender.

- Provide students with an understanding of key concepts in the study of religion and gender (e.g. patriarchy, gender hierarchy, sexuality, and femininity and masculinity) through a critical, postcolonial perspective focused on Islam.

- Inculcate the students with textual analysis skills to examine how concepts such as patriarchy can be critically applied and interrogated in the analysis of foundational and primary sources in Islam.

- Help students understand and analyse the relation between text and practice in establishing and transforming gender norms in the lived traditions of Islam.

- Examine contemporary women’s movements in the Muslim world and the rise of Muslim/Islamic feminism in light of contemporary challenges to the Islamic tradition.

- Assist students in reading and critically assessing western and non-western feminist readings of religion and counter-readings by Muslim women.

- Encourage students to employ their knowledge of textual and lived traditions to critically reflect on current debates within the field of Gender Studies

- Equip students with analytical and conceptual skills essential for studying and researching gender, feminism and religion, e.g. textual analysis of pre-modern texts.

Educational Aims

Upon completion of this course, successful students should be able to:

- demonstrate a grasp of key concepts in the study of religion and gender (e.g. patriarchy, gender hierarchy, sexuality, and femininity and masculinity) through a critical, postcolonial perspective focused on Islam.

- apply textual analysis skills in examining how concepts such as patriarchy can be critically applied and interrogated in the analysis of foundational and primary sources in Islam.

- analyse the relation between text and practice in establishing and transforming gender norms in the lived traditions of Islam.

- demonstrate knowledge of contemporary women’s movements in the Muslim world and the rise of Muslim/Islamic feminism in light of contemporary challenges to the Islamic tradition.

- assist students in reading and critically assessing western and non-western feminist readings of religion and counter-readings by Muslim women.

- critically reflect on current debates within the field of Gender and Islam

Outline Syllabus

Outline syllabus

The course syllabus will consist of three building blocks: 1) an introductory part (2 weeks) providing an overview of the study of Gender, Religion and Islam, moving on to key issues in feminist and post-colonial approaches; 2) an examination of 'Gender in the Tradition' through texts and their histories (4 weeks), covering a range of topics such as diverse readings of gender representation in Qur’anic and prophetic texts, the construction of gender norms in Islamic law and ethics, especially those pertaining to sexuality and modesty, and, finally, gendered ideas and practices surrounding religious roles and authority; 3) an exploration of feminist approaches and contemporary movements pursuing intellectual and political projects which aim to de-construct patriarchy and reconstruct Islamic law, ethics and theology within Muslim contexts (4 weeks).

Assessment Proportions

Assessment is by a 2700-3000 words essay on a topic chosen by the student and developed in consultation with the supervisor. Assessment by essay on a topic chosen by the individual student is appropriate because it best allows students to demonstrate their developing skills in reading, discussing, researching, and writing in response to particular texts and/or topics addressed in depth. They will be given formative feedback that will assist them in revising for the exam. (40%)

Students will also be assessed by examination. They will be required to answer two questions in two hours. This is a summative method for assessing their overall understanding of the course and their achievement of the learning outcomes. (60%)

40% Coursework 60% Exam

PPR.362: Religion and Violence

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
• Pre-requisites: You must have undertaken relevant previous studies in Religion and/or Politics.

Course Description

There are those who claim that religion is little more than a perverse and irrational scar on the modern world, one that invariably causes violence, while others (at times driven by political motivations) claim that religion is ‘good’ and that violence only occurs when ‘religion has been hijacked by other forces’. Others still claim that ‘religious violence’ is a myth constructed for political purposes, and that one should not therefore speak of religion in such terms. To disentangle such claims, this course examines the relationship between religion and violence, asking whether one can draw such associations between the two and whether one can develop any broader theoretical understandings about their relationship that enhances our understanding of religion in the modern world. While examining a variety of theories and perspectives on the topic, including close examination of the arguments outlined above, this course will continually refer to empirical data and case studies in which religious movements and religious individuals have been involved in violent activities, as well as examining cases where acts of immense violence (including genocide) have occurred in what appear to be political contexts, but where religious rhetoric may have been used by the perpetrators of violence.

Educational Aims

The aims of the module are:

• To make students engage with and think about critical issues for the contemporary study of religion and to discuss issues that are at the forefront of policy agendas and contemporary debates about religion in the modern world.
• To enable students to discuss various patterns that appear to be manifest when religious movements appear to engage in violent acts, and be able to discuss what apparent motives lie behind such acts.
• To provide students with a knowledge of key issues in the study of religion such as apocalypticism, millennialism and charisma, to enable them to consider the extent to which such themes might be considered as specifically ‘religious’ and to what degree they may also be associated with the political world, and be able to formulate their views on the extent to which these themes play a role in the development of violence.
• To help students develop deeper understandings of how practices often associated with religion (such as asceticism) and teachings and doctrines, may also play a role in violent events.
• To give students the opportunity to acquire the ability to discuss wider implications of issues at the forefront of public discussions – such as the notion of religious extremism- and think about the degree to which such issues impact on the nature of liberal democracies.

Outline Syllabus

While the course examines events across a broad historical range, it will pay particular attention to a number of modern cases, from new religions with apocalyptic and millennial orientations that have become associated with violent denouements (including the Peoples Temple, Waco and the Aum Affair in Japan) to events such as the 9/11 attacks in the USA. In so doing it will examine the extent to which concepts such as millennialism and critiques of the modern world play a role in fomenting violence, and examine how concepts such as punishment and hostility to materialism are factors in the motives of those who commit such deeds.

By examining such cases, a number of additional questions that arise will include the extent to which religious practices such as asceticism and the search for transcendence may facilitate the emergence of philosophies of violence, the degree to which violence is brought about because of external pressures on religious groups, and because of the ways in which they respond to public pressure and failure, and the extent to which religion may play a role in endowing violence with a spiritual aura that enhances the status of those who perpetrate violence.

Through such discussions and examinations, the course will seek to encourage students to develop an understanding of the debates over the notion of ‘religious violence’, formulate their own understandings of the validity of the arguments made by those involved in such debates, and develop an awareness of the possible patterns and processes whereby people who articulate sincere religious beliefs may commit acts of terrible violence. In discussing such issues attention will also be paid to the dilemmas that the notion of ’religious violence’ and its concomitants may present to modern liberal democratic societies that are grounded in notions such as the freedom of religion, and it will raise the question (especially through examining examples such as how Japan – a state whose constitution specifically enshrines the notion of freedom of religion and worship and that has grappled with a history of violent religious group) about what the limits of tolerance might be in the context of religion in the modern state. This will also lead to discussions about public issues such as the idea of religion and ‘radicalisation’- an issue currently at the forefront of public agendas in the UK and elsewhere.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 40%
• Exam: 60%

PPR.365: State and Religion

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer Terms Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS
• Pre-requisites: Previous study in this subject area is required.

Course Description

Course Description: The module provides a comparative perspective drawing on the fields of religion and politics. It analyses how the rise of the modern nation-state impacted and reconstituted religion in a post-colonial, global context. It addresses questions such as: What place does religion have in diverse political systems in the modern world? How have religious ideologies and commitments shaped modern conceptions and practices of governance? To what extent has religion been engaged in supporting/contesting discourses of liberal democracy and human rights? And why does it remain a site for political protest in non-western contexts? These questions will be explored across various traditions such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam as well as in diverse regional contexts, such as Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Key topics will typically include: Secularism, Religion and the Postcolonial Nation-State; Religion and law-making in modern nation-states; State, Religion, and human rights, with a focus on women's rights or religious minority rights; State, Religion and Rebellion; and Civil Religion: Interrogating America's Nationalism.

Educational Aims

Educational Aims: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

This module aim to offer an opportunity to study a range of religions, geographic and political contexts. It will attempt to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to describe, discuss and deploy competing concepts and theories as well as a range of examples. Students will learn to understand the close relationship between theory and context, and the variations in the historical and contemporary reality of states and the effect of religion on them. We aim to give students an awareness of the need for critical thinking about the global complexity of the role of religion on governance, political practices and ideologies. They would have been able to develop a deeper understanding of a specific issue through a case study in their coursework.

Educational Aims: General: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

The module aims to provide students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to:

• Recognise and analyse literature from several disciplines, demonstrating awareness of their different perspectives and uses, and ability to assess the strength of competing approaches and interpretations.
• Formulate evidence-based opinions verbally and in writing and communicate clearly, with the written and spoken word.
• Develop confidence and skill in analysis and discussion and deepen critical skills. Improve analytical, written and verbal skills through course reading, essay-writing, and workshop discussions.
• Discuss and analyse empirical cases, by identifying salient aspects for analysis, theories that can be deployed, and disciplinary approaches that can be used.
• Deepen disciplinary understanding and also show how disciplinary perspectives may need to be challenged by other disciplines, thus building an interdisciplinary awareness

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Students who pass this module should be able to... Demonstrate understanding of key concepts of the state in contemporary religious and political thought and practice. Identify the complex inter-relationship between religion and the modern state across different traditions and in different regional contexts. Critically evaluate how this inter-relationship has shaped and even transformed political systems and religious tradition nationally and transnationally.

Learning Outcomes: General: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Students who pass this module should be able to...

• Demonstrate cognitive, time management and transferable skills through supportive learning environments and rigorous modes of assessment
• Utilise high-level skills in problem solving, application of knowledge, analysis and critical reflection, handling large bodies of information, oral and written communication, negotiation and influence, time management and work organisation
• Use appropriate digital learning technologies available through the university in research and writing
• Demonstrate the ability to gather, organize and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources; identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems; and construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and exercise critical judgement

Outline Syllabus

Key topics will typically include:

• Secularism, Religion and the Postcolonial Nation-State;
• Religion and law-making in modern nation-states;
• State, Religion, and human rights, with a focus on women's rights or religious minority rights;
• Christianity and civil religion;
• Social movements and religion;
• State, Religion and Rebellion.

Assessment Proportions

• 100% coursework (1 x 5000-word essay)

PPR.371: Wild Asian Goddesses: Power and Transgression in South and South East Asia

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas Term Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
• Pre-requisites: Relevant previous studies in philosophy, religion or a related subject.

Course Description

The module aims to:

1. develop a scholarly awareness of Asian goddess traditions, their main goddesses, wild and mild, their mythologies, texts, histories and philosophical currents

2. establish a bigger picture of 'global religions' by looking at ancient notions and practices surrounding female sacred power

3. encourage thinking on issues connected to gender and power through the study of these particular traditions.

4. foster sensitive, informed interpretations of a variety of non-Western historical sources and gain an understanding of the richness of classical Indian languages (Sanskrit and Prakrit)

Educational Aims

Students who pass this module should be able to...

1. have both a broad and nuanced historical knowledge of Shakta (goddess-oriented) traditions in South and South East Asia through studying a wide range of sources and examples in depth

2. critically assess the connections of these traditions with society, culture and power

3. be able to assess the implications of these traditions for gender and politics in religion

Outline Syllabus

South and South East Asian religious traditions are globally unique for their reverence of female divine power. Called Devi (goddess) and Shakti (power/potentiality), the Goddess is thought to be multiform and worshipped in ‘power-sites’ (shaktipithas) scattered all over the subcontinent. In theological traditions of medieval India, she was conceptualized in some of the most sophisticated metaphysical arguments as an ultimate Consciousness. For worshippers, she is a symbol of many things: autonomous power, liberation, rulership, transgression, duality, sexuality, passion, motherhood, the colour red, Death, vision and sleep.

In this module we explore the only major religious culture, in which female sacred power plays an undilutedly central role. We assess its history and its importance in South and South East Asian society drawing on classical historical sources-- Sanskrit narratives, ritual manuals, poetry, philosophical literature and epigraphy, as well as explore her impact on living traditions.

Along the way we will be exploring the following questions:

What does the tradition of goddesses in South Asia say about the role of heretical traditions and doctrines, of which many of its scriptures and practices were considered parts?

What relation do myths of the goddess's sacred places bear with histories of actual places, in other words, what was the relationship between ‘myth’ and history (how for example do stories of kings receiving kingship from the goddess articulate histories of state formation)?

What relation do passages of worship in doctrinal literature have with actual worship?

How does the Goddess’s tradition blur the realms of power-in-society and power-outside-society and why?

Assessment Proportions

The module will be assessed through one essay 4500-5000 words in length, written on a topic/question from a list shared with students before the start of the module. (100% Coursework Only)

PPR.380: Buddhist Philosophy

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer Terms Only
• US Credits: 4 Semester Credits
• ECTS Credits: 7.5 ECTS Credits
• Pre-requisites: Relevant previous studies in philosophy, religion or a related subject.

Course Description

Students will be introduced to:

• Some of the most well known and influential Buddhist concepts, texts, and thinkers from across Asia, but particularly from India and China
• The methodological challenges of studying Buddhist philosophy
• The Module aims to develop:
• the ability to engage in informed argument about key topics in the study of Buddhist philosophy
• the ability to engage in informed argument about key topics in comparative and global philosophy
• understanding of various cultural approaches to philosophy

Educational Aims

Students who pass this module should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key philosophers, texts, and ideas, from the Buddhist philosophical tradition
• Demonstrate an understanding of the key methodological challenges of studying Buddhist philosophers from India, China, and other cultural contexts
• Demonstrate an understanding of the key methodological challenges of studying primary sources in translation from Pali, Sanskrit, classical Chinese, and other classical languages
• Demonstrate an understanding of the texts and contexts covered in the course
• Be able to review and assess the major texts/thinkers under review demonstrated through written assessment
• Apply various modern theoretical frameworks and critical tools in order to understand, explain, and analyse the texts, ideas, and thinkers from Buddhist traditions
• Articulate their own position in relation to the key Buddhist thinkers/texts/themes of the module

Outline Syllabus

This module will trace the development of Buddhist thought, from its emergence in India in the fifth century BCE, through its development across Asia, particularly China, but also Tibet and Japan. It will also look at how Buddhist philosophy has been received by Western philosophers from the 19th century. In addition to tracking and analysing key concepts, such as not-self, dependent origination, emptiness, and Buddha nature, this module will examine themes that pervade Buddhist philosophy in its various contexts, such as the relationships between teaching and practice, philosophy and literature, and religion and politics. Although the regional emphasis will change depending on the lecturer, this module will offer students an in-depth exploration of one of the most enduring, voluminous, and influential philosophical traditions of the world.

Assessment Proportions

There will be two essays. The first one will be 1800-2000 words. The first essay question will be about topics in Weeks 1-5. The essay deadline will be in week 6 and these essays will be returned to students according to the timescale followed by the department, which is four weeks. (worth 40%)

The second essay will be 2700-3000 words. The second essay question will be about topics covered in Weeks 6-10. The deadline for this essay will be the first week of the following term. (worth 60%)

The rationale of two essays is that students will have the opportunity to benefit from the feedback on the first essay. Also, by having two essays rather than one, this makes sure that a student's entire grade is not dependent on just one piece of coursework.