Module: Religion: Philosophical & Sociological Approaches

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Religion: Philosophical & Sociological Approaches
Module Code	TP302 (ITS) / RET1040 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This module aims to consolidate and expand students’ knowledge and understanding of various theoretical approaches to religion, by providing 1) an introduction to certain sociological approaches to religion, 2) an exploration of important philosophical approaches to religion, and 3) specific, more concentrated, treatment of certain relevant topics (e.g., the critique of ‘natural theology’; the challenge of nihilism; secularization; etc.). In this module, students develop their wider knowledge, and enhance their skills in comprehension, analysis and synthesis. Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars, and to engage with relevant texts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and understanding of philosophical and sociological themes and issues;
2. Engage with particular issues and themes in philosophy and sociology;
3. Achieve and employ enhanced analytical and critical skills;
4. Enjoy an enhanced appreciation of key elements in Western intellectual culture;
5. Obtain and make manifest enhanced insight and reflexivity regarding his or her own values, principles and outlook.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures
Independent Study	48	Assigned Readings
Independent Study	53	Independent Learning & Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

An introduction to various theoretical approaches to religion

The critique of natural theology (with focus on Spinoza & Hume)

The challenge of nihilism (with focus on Nietzsche)

Major figures & themes in the sociology of religion

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	Essay	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Durkheim, E.: 2008, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, UP, Oxford,
Hume, David: 2008, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion & The Natural History of Religion, Oxford UP,
Milbank, John: 1991, Theology & Social Theory, Blackwell, Malden, MA,
Spinoza, B.: 2007, Theological-Political Treatise, ed. J. Israel, UP, Cambridge,
Weber, Max: 2002, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Penguin, NY,

Other Resources

None