Module manager: Tasia Scrutton
Email: t.scrutton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module provides an introduction to the philosophical study of religion. It includes Muslim, Christian and Jewish philosophers, and addresses issues around the nature of God, the existence of evil, and whether theism, agnosticism or atheism are the most rational responses. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module
The primary objective is for you to gain an understanding of what it is to approach religion from a philosophical perspective. This involves gaining an understanding of some of the key concepts, arguments and points of contention in the philosophy of religion, such as arguments for the existence of God, problems of evil, and what God would be like (if God exists).
Interactive lectures are designed to give you knowledge and understanding of key arguments and their importance, and to enable you to develop the ability to articulate your ideas in conversation with others. Seminars are designed to enable you to develop skills in understanding philosophical texts and note-taking, in listening to and understanding the perspectives of others, and in verbally articulating your own thoughts and ideas.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Accurately identify and describe some significant points of contention and debate in philosophy of religion
2. Discuss religious questions rigorously yet sensitively
3. Critically analyse concepts and arguments central to philosophy of religion
4. Discuss their own view on some issues in philosophy of religion through a simple but cogent argument
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Search for and utilise appropriate material to support learning (Academic skill)
The syllabus may vary annually. Possible topics include, for example:
Arguments for the existence of God
Theism, agnosticism or atheism
Problems of evil
What would God be like (if God exists)?
New directions in the philosophy of religion
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback
Students are given a choice of: essay plan; draft; combination of the two
Students are asked to read and reflect on (i) the PRHS marking criteria and (ii) the specific guidance provided on the summative assessment in this module, and identify for themselves the form of formative feedback that will be most beneficial to them. This requires students to play an active role in honing their knowledge and skills development.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 07/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team