Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Edited: When you complete your studies for this strand, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
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major features of a selection of world religions in terms of their historical development and diversity of beliefs and social forms
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different contributions of textual, historical, social and interdisciplinary studies of religion
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the various media (e.g. texts, music, ritual, symbolism and architecture) through which religious insight is expressed
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patterns of change in the religious history of Britain in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and of debates and controversies within and about religion in Britain in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
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the role of religion in shaping gender assumptions and of the respective roles of men and women in religious activity
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changing relationships between religion and moral values.
Cognitive skills
Edited: When you complete your studies for the strand, you will be able to:
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construct coherent arguments, draw together ideas and information drawn from a variety of sources
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analyse source materials with a degree of sophistication appropriate to the level of study
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use technical terms correctly
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exercise critical judgement in relation to methodologies and academic arguments
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pursue objectivity
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develop, apply and test historical hypotheses.
Practical and/or professional skills
Edited: When you complete your studies for the strand, you will be able to:
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appreciate the religious dimension in current affairs
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recognise, analyse and appreciate the practical implications for individuals and communities following a religious faith
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engage with empathy, sensitivity and integrity with the convictions and behaviours of others
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develop a critical approach to religious history
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analyse and interpret a variety of sources, including audio-visual as well as written media
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provide appropriate referencing and acknowledgement of sources used.
Key skills
Edited: When you complete your studies for the strand, you will be able to demonstrate that you can:
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communicate clearly, effectively and coherently in written form, through essays and assignments presented with accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar
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identify relevant information in extended documents, oral testimony, visual media and reference sources
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evaluate information obtained from the above sources, identifying opinion, possible bias and distortion of information when making judgements
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synthesise information by identifying the various arguments and presenting your interpretation in a way that brings together information in a coherent way
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work independently on a project, developing an effective information-gathering strategy, ordering the data, and relating it to the analysis of a specific intellectual problem
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improve performance in the use of communication skills through seeking and using feedback from the tutor and through critical self-reflection.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Edited: You will acquire your knowledge and understanding through your study of the study materials, which include specially written study materials, study guides, assignment and project guides, specimen examination papers, and set texts, and through feedback on your assignments. The interdisciplinary modules will, in part, provide you with an insight into interdisciplinary work and its contribution to religious studies and your understanding will also be enhanced through materials in religious studies modules that draw upon other disciplines (e.g. history, literature, music, philosophy, sociology). Your progress will be assessed directly through a combination of text-based questions, essays, three-hour written examinations and independent project work.
Your development of cognitive skills will be promoted through written study materials including in-text questions, assignment guides and specimen examination papers, through audio-visual materials, through carefully monitored feedback to students from tutors and through face-to-face tutorial meetings. Learning how to apply these skills to problems in religious studies is practised through essays, projects and group work.
Professional and/or practical skills are taught throughout the programme in a cumulative manner.
You will find that the key skills are taught via published materials and detailed tutor feedback on assignments. You will practise and develop your skills throughout the programme, although independent study and the ability to evaluate source information are more emphasised at Level 3. The project module offers you an opportunity to work independently on a project, although you will also find that double assignments in other Level 3 modules will begin to develop your capacity for independent study. Development of all of these key skills is encouraged by in-text questions in study materials. You will be assessed by way of continuous assessment, formal examination and project work. Your ability to seek and use tutor feedback and critical self-reflection will be assessed indirectly through continuous assessment.