Religion, Spirituality and Health (7AATC950M)

Arts & Humanities

Course Overview

This module examines the topics of spirituality, wellbeing and health in a range of religious traditions, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism, as well as new spiritualities and various kinds of popular practice. Engaging with a range of research perspectives and methodologies – including history, sociology, philosophy, textual studies and health humanities – you will explore historical and contemporary notions of wellbeing and health in relation to practices, beliefs, and identities. The module addresses topics such as mysticism, religion and medicine, philosophy of mind/body, popular spirituality, healing, and social categories such as spiritual-but-not-religious (SBNR). The module may include a visit to a site in London (e.g. a temple or meditation centre, a history of medicine archive, or a contemplative garden).

13 January 2025 - 25 April 2025

Places: Course closed

Delivery mode: In person

Application deadline: To be confirmed

Places: Course closed

Register your interest

Course features

This module aims to:

  • analyse how notions and experiences of wellbeing are affected by spirituality and religious thought and vice versa
  • critically evaluate the relation of spirituality to society in a range of cultural contexts and time periods
  • adopt a variety of methodologies, including textual studies, philosophy, sociology, and history to research spirituality
  • develop competency in the health humanities.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

  • articulate theories and practices of wellbeing, health and spirituality in a range of religious and quasi- or non-religious traditions
  • provide nuanced definitions of spirituality, health and wellbeing that are informed by complex understandings of culture, society, and belief in different time periods and regions
  • employ multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches in your research and assessment
  • demonstrate competency in articulating current and leading ideas in the health humanities.
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Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements comprise:

  • A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent
  • A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study
  • English language band C (for example, IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing, and 6.0 in listening and speaking).

Assessment

You will be assessed via coursework, in the form of a 4,000-word essay.

Further information

This is an on-campus module. You will be expected to attend a 2-hour seminar in-person each week. Exact days and times will be provided upon enrolment.

Course code:

7AATC950M

Credit level:

7

Credit value:

15

Duration:

10 weeks

Full Price:

£1,039.00

International:

£2,333.00

Who will I be taught by

Dr Karen O'Brien-Kop

Lecturer in Modern Asian Religions

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