Contemporary Religious Movements

Module description

• 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.   

  The course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to analyse contemporary religious movements from a variety of social scientific perspectives. It shows the importance of understanding the historical, cultural, political, and social contexts in which these movements arise. It also discusses the ways of studying them, which are as unbiased and up-to-date as possible, as well as ways of tackling ethical and logistical problems in researching them. Finally, the course points to the policy implications of the different approaches to the study of these phenomena.

Assessment details

Coursework

One 3,500-word essay (100%)

Educational aims & objectives

• provide an understanding of how to approach new religious phenomena from sound social scientific perspectives.
• develop observational and analytical skills in exploring origins of religious innovation and evolution of religious groups, including interactions within religious groups and between them and the wider society.
• develop the ability to evaluate divergent perspectives on new religious phenomena and understand controversies surrounding them.
• develop the ability to analyse society by focusing on contemporary religious groups and societal reactions to them.
• improve analytical, argumentative and presentational skills.

Learning outcomes

Generic skills

• Analyse interactions between at the individual, group, and society by making observations and applying concepts and theories at a level appropriate to the Master's level.
• Test theories against the available evidence at a level appropriate to a to the Master's level.
• Engage critically with academic sources at a level appropriate to the Master's level.
• Engage in debates by presenting well - reasoned and well - structured arguments supported by relevant evidence.
• Apply social scientific knowledge and skills to analysis of public policy issues ('transferable skills').

 

Module - specific skills

• Identify and explain controversial aspects of new religious phenomena.
• Critically to assess divergent perspectives on and explanations of NRMs.
• Observe and explain interactions between religious believers, groups and the wider society.

Teaching pattern

One two-hour weekly class over ten weeks.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.