Religion, Politics & Society

Study is made up of compulsory and optional modules every year. Currently, students study the following modules shown below. We review our modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the Department for further advice.

RPS students take three compulsory modules plus a choice of options.

• Introduction to the Sociology of Faith
• Introduction to the Anthropology of Religion
• Introduction to Religion and Politics

At least two modules from:

• Islam’s Beginnings
• Introduction to Jewish Thought and Practice
• Introduction to Christianity
• Islam: Later Developments & Modern Practices
• Introduction to Buddhism

Remaining credits are taken from the above or any other first year / level 4 modules offered by the Department, including in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.

Students take three compulsory modules plus a choice of options.

• Religion in Different Socio-Cultural Contexts
• Religion: Social and Geo-Political Context
• Religion & Politics in International & Transnational Contexts

At least one of the following modules:

• Modern Islam I: History & Politics
• Modern Islam II: Sociological & Intellectual Trends
• Religious Differences: Jewish, Christian & other Perspectives
• Lived Religion: Making Sense of Religious Practices

Additional credits are taken from the remaining second year / level 5 optional modules offered by the department.

As in previous years, you will take at least three compulsory modules from the below list of four available, along with a range of options. You may also opt to write a dissertation (Independent Study Project), for which you will receive one-to-one supervision from a member of the staff.

• Muslim Communities in the West
• Religion, Politics and Global Media
• New Religious Movements in Global Perspective
• Varieties of Religious Experience

Remaining credits are taken from the above or any other modules offered by the Department, including in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The optional dissertation/ independent study project should be in the study of religion from the perspectives of anthropology, sociology or politics.