This core course provides a foundation for those pursuing postgraduate study in Theology and Religious Studies. It explores debates in Theology and Religious Studies from the mid twentieth century to the present. Emphasis will be placed on theoretical and methodological debates about the nature of sacred texts and their cultural, literary and artistic significance. The course will consider a variety of theoretical positions and their relevance for reading practice. These are expected to include (amongst others) feminist, poststructuralist and postcolonial theories.

1 x 2 hour class per week.

Reading, Religion and Culture (Topic Option) TRS5066

None

1 x essay of 3,500 words (70%)

1 x report of 1,500 words based on a class presentation (30%)

This course aims to

■ assess contemporary debates in Theology and Religious Studies

■ explore a variety of critical theories and their relation to sacred texts (in their cultural/literary/artistic contexts) including modern, postmodern, poststructuralist and postcolonial positions.

■ interrogate the theoretical assumptions about religion, theology and the secular in the work of key contemporary thinkers.

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

■ evaluate the key debates informing contemporary disciplinary formation in Theology and Religious Studies

■ offer an analysis of a specific theoretical approach discussed to the study of sacred texts

■ assess a range of modern, postmodern, poststructuralist and postcolonial theories of relevance to Theology and Religious Studies

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