Course Catalogue

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This course will critically explore the rich religious traditions and spirituality of Scotland as evidenced from prehistoric archaeology, the sacred sites and art of Celtic Scotland, the rich monastic and spiritual legacies of medieval Catholicism, Scotland's rigorous and socially transformative Reformation, Scottish expressions of the world's great religions, and the internationally recognised influences of the Iona and Findhorn Communities. While the religious expressions have changed, spirituality has played a prominent part in making Scotland and shaping its people. Even as Scotland experiences the wider forces of secularlisation, the religious diversity of Scotland continues to increase.

6 x 2.5hr sessions per week over 3 teaching weeks.

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Essay (3,500 words): 100%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The course will provide the opportunity to:

■ examine the beliefs and practices of Scotland's inhabitants from pre-history to the present; 

■ critically assess some of the historical and cultural influences on religion and spirituality in Scotland;

■ identify the ongoing development of these traditions and compare them with modern interpretations.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ describe and analyse some of the main features of Scotland's historical traditions of religion and spirituality; 

■ evidence an appreciation of Scotland's diverse traditions and their distinct contributions to Scottish culture;

■ discuss some of the historical and contemporary challenges that have shaped Scottish spirituality and religious traditions;

■ articulate some of the particularly Scottish expressions of global religious traditions.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.