Module manager: Ilaria Vecchi
Email: i.vecchi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module will introduce you to the study of religious diversity as part of contemporary social and cultural life in Britain. After consideration of key issues about studying religion in the British context the module introduces a range of key conceptual themes (such as secularization and tradition) before brief introductions to traditions including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Paganism. The need to be attentive to the broader cultural, historical and philosophical backgrounds and characteristics of each form of religion is a major concern of the module.
1. To introduce the skills required for fieldwork in the study of religion
2. To develop awareness of methodological and theoretical issues in the study of religion
3. To introduce the range of religions in contemporary Britain, and provide the basis for further independent study
By the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Evaluate fieldwork undertaken by others
2. Identify and analyse methodological and theoretical issues in relation to a specific religious context
3. Demonstrate knowledge of one religious tradition
Fieldwork methods, health and safety and ethics.
For indicative purposes only, different themes will be used depending on recent research and current issues.
Methods and methodology in the study of religion in Britain
Ethics and health and safety in fieldwork
Religion in Britain – what data can we use?
Why is religion controversial?
Christianity and gender
Islam – diaspora, migration and transnationalism
Judaism – tradition and transmission
Researching complex traditions and communities
Hinduism – the colonial legacy
How secular is Britain?
Buddhism – the significance of the built heritage
Sikhism – generation and change
Should religion be taught in schools?
Paganism – struggles for recognition
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion forum | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 4 | ||
| Private study hours | 77 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Independent online learning:
Students will complete a series of quizzes on fieldwork ethics and health and safety.
Private study:
Lecture preparation: 10x3 = 30 hours
Seminar preparation: 4x3 = 12 hours
Preparation for online discussion: 4x2 = 8 hours
Essay preparation and writing: 27 hours
Attendance monitoring;
Completion of online quizzes;
Engagement in seminars and discussion groups;
Office hours for one to one support and feedback;
‘Module lunch’ for weekly informal engagement;
Opportunity to submit a draft report before the end of teaching.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words | 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: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team