Methods in the Study of Religion - bachelor's course, 15 Credits

Contents

This course prepares students to write their undergraduate thesis by giving them a practical introduction to research methods in the field. Within the course, students will first get a systematic overview of the development of religious studies as a distinct field, with a focus on the origins of its methods in progenitor disciplines. The student will then encounter different practical research methods currently used in religious studies research, ranging from archival work to interviews and observations. Upon completion of the course, students will be well prepared to develop a question and carry out research for their undergraduate thesis. 

Module 1: Overview of the field (3 hp) 

This module will formally acquaint students with the historical development of religious studies as a scientific field, its constituent disciplines, and theoretical disputes. 

Module 2: Historical Methods for the Study of Religion (6 hp) 

This module will introduce students to the use of archives (in various forms), literature-based research, and methods of textual analysis. It will give students knowledge and understanding of how to conduct historical and textually focussed research in a methodical and scientific fashion. Within the framework of the course, the student is given the opportunity to complete a practical example which employs historical research skills. Students will also be prompted to reflect on theoretical questions regarding the uses of history within the study of religion. 

Module 3: Social Scientific Methods for the Study of Religion (6 hp) 

The module deals in an in-depth manner with different methodological perspectives within the study of religion from the perspective of social or behavioural science, as well as related ethical issues. The course gives the student a knowledge and understanding of a selection of methods relevant to religious behavioral science research in both digital and analogue environments. The course also gives the student an insight into various technical solutions in relation to the chosen method. Within the framework of the course, the student is given the opportunity to consider and try methods for empirical collection and analysis in preparation for future thesis work. 

Expected learning outcomes

Module 1: 

After completing the course, the student should be able to  

Knowledge and Understanding 

• give an account of the various methods and disciplinary approaches which comprise the study of religion. 

Skills and Abilities 

• articulate the relevance of a given approach to a chosen research topic within the study of religion. 

Judgement and Approach

• demonstrate the ability to make judgements about the suitability of particular approaches to topics within the study of religion. 

Module 2:

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and Understanding

• Give an account of scientific approaches within the historical study of religion. 
• Demonstrate familiarity with methodological discussions of relevance to the historical study of religion. 

Skills and Abilities  

• Plan a scientific research approach appropriate to a chosen topic in the historical study of religion. 
• Assemble research material appropriate to addressing a chosen topic. 

Judgement and Approach 

• Evaluate which methods and tools are relevant based on purpose, research question and research situation. 

Module 3:  

After completing the course, the student should be able to:  

Knowledge and Understanding 

• Demonstrate an understanding of a number of methods for collecting and analyzing data for empirical research on religion. 
• Show an understanding of the research ethics issues that arise in connection with empirical research on religion. 

Skills and Abilities  

• Choose and apply adequate methods based on an investigation's purpose and research questions.  
• Make ethical assessments of possible positive or negative consequences for the participants in a behavioral science-based study of religion.  
• Independently choose, and argue for, the choice of method for data collection and analysis. evaluation ability and approach 

Judgement and Approach 

• Demonstrate awareness of the theoretical, ethical and societal aspects of empirical research on religion. 
• Behave reflexively and ethically towards the application of methods used in empirical research on religion. 
• Evaluate which methods are relevant based on purpose, research question and research situation. 

Required Knowledge

For the course, university or college studies in theology and/or religious studies comprising 60 credits with a passing result of at least 45 credits are required, which includes at least one course of 7.5 credits in history of religion and at least one course of 7.5 credits in empirical approaches (social or behavioural science) to religion.  

English B/6 and Swedish for basic eligibility for university studies (if the course is given in Swedish). 

Form of instruction

The teaching mainly consists of lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips (which may include virtual visits).  

Examination modes

Each module is examined separately. Knowledge assessment takes place in the form of classroom exams (does not apply to internet courses), home exams and other written tasks, oral presentations and seminars. Oral presentations, seminars, and certain written assignments are assessed with the grades Pass (G) and Fail (U). The classroom exam, home exam, and certain other written tasks are assessed with the marks Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). In order to receive a Distinction for the entire course, students must achieve a Distinction on all assignments that are assessed as VG, G, or U, and a G on all other parts. 

Students who have passed may not undergo further examination for higher grades. For those students who have not been approved at the regular examination opportunity, a re-examination is arranged within two months after the ordinary examination opportunity, and another within one year, so-called collection examination.  

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student.  

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.  

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University.