Religion in Contemporary Society

Module code: 7AATC999
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 60
Semester:  summer session 1;  summer session 2; 
Teaching pattern: The dissertation is to be on a topic chosen by the candidate with advice from his or her supervisor, and written under supervision.
 
Assessment:  coursework 
Assessed by 1 x dissertation of up to 15,000 words

For a full module description and further information, please see the module page on the Department of Theology & Religious Studies website.
 

Module code: 7AATC820
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 40
Semester:  Semester 1 (autumn) 
Teaching pattern: one three-hour weekly class taught over ten weeks
Assessment:  coursework 
Assessed by 2 x 5,000-word essays

This module provides an understanding of anthropological and sociological approaches to the study of religion in contemporary Western and non-Western societies. Students learn how to investigate religion empirically, through discussion of case studies as well as through formulating their own hypotheses, and designing, conducting and analysing surveys, interviews, and participant observation.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc820.aspx

Module code: 7AATC821
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 40
Semester:  Semester 2 (spring) 
Assessment:  coursework 
Assessed by 2 x 5,000-word essays

This module looks at general social scientific approaches to the analysis of religion, and at the latest theoretical developments, such as the theories of globalisation and rational choice.The section on Christianity offers an analysis of contemporary religious issues within Christian communities, drawing on recent theological, ethical and philosophical debates. The section on Islam analyses the fragmentation of religious discourse in the Muslim world, the rise of new Islamist intellectuals, and the impact of new and old media on the religious field. The section on Judaism analyses the tapestry of contemporary Jewish denominations in the USA, Israel and the UK.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc821.aspx

Module code: 7AATC823
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:  Semester 2 (spring) 
Assessment:  coursework 
Assessed by 1 x 5,000-word essay

This module considers the variety of contemporary religious movements in Western societies and Eastern Europe; the issue of conversion to controversial religious movements; problems of power, authority and change in religious groups; the origins of religious violence and conflict; "cult controversies"; and relationships between religious movements and government, law, and international politics.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc823.aspx

Module code: 7AATC822
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:  Semester 1 (autumn) 
Teaching pattern: 


Assessment:  coursework 
Assessed by 1 x 5,000-word essay

Topics covered in this module are as follows: Diversity within contemporary Muslim societies; Regional variations; Relationships between Islam, society and the state; Social protests and religious militancy; Religious knowledge and authority; Islamist politics; The debate about democracy and human rights; Transnational religious connections and the politics of the Muslim Diaspora

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/trs/modules/level7/7aatc822.aspx

Module code: 7AATC830
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:  Semester 2 (spring) 
Assessment:  coursework 
Assessed by 1 x 5,000-word essay

This is an optional module for students studying MA programme Religion in Contemporary Society and other MA programmes. It introduces theoretical perspectives and methodological tools to study the intersection between religion and politics in Western democracies. It complements the already existing anthropological and sociological modules on religion and society (7AATC822 and 7AATC823). The focus is on the role religion plays in different types of established “secular” democracies and maximises students’ awareness of the way political actors and institutions assert power by either invoking or excluding religious discourses and practices in the public sphere. The module uses case studies to illustrate theoretical arguments. Topics include religious and secular nationalism, transnational religious connections, religion in secular Europe and religious politics in America.