Module: Religion: Philosophical & Sociological Approaches

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Religion: Philosophical & Sociological Approaches
Module Code	RET1040 (ITS: TP302)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	21008	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ian Leask	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Essay	40%	n/a
Formal Examination	Terminal Examination	60%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None