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This module introduces theory and method in religious studies and theology, which are related but very different enquiries. It will look at key developments in the contemporary study of religion as a global phenomenon. And it will also focus on theology as a distinct discipline: what it is, how it is constructed and how it relates to other fields of intellectual enquiry.

The module begins by considering what is meant by ‘religion’ and ‘theology’ and discusses the ways in which these are studied. The module will be effectively then in two parts.  First, phenomenological discussion of key issues in the study of contemporary religion, such as religious fundamentalisms, developments in secularisation theory and analysis of religious experience.  There will also be a focus on ‘sacred place’ in terms of religious architecture and symbolism, and ‘sacred texts’ vis-à-vis their use in the world today. The second part will concentrate on theology as an intellectual enquiry: its sources, its character as an ongoing creative enterprise, and its relation with other disciplines. There will be foci on theological method, the nature of religious/theological language and theology’s relationship with philosophy and science.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of theory and issues in the contemporary study of religion and in theology.
2. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the methodological differences between (a) the phenomenological study of religion and (b) theology as an ongoing creative endeavour, open to revision and reformulation in the light of new knowledge. 
3. Understand and employ the language (terminology) of the subject.
4. Identify the principles and concepts that underlie the theoretical frameworks in both theology and the study of religion, and begin to assess these in terms of strengths and weaknesses.
5. Show a clear knowledge of current developments in the study of religion as a global phenomenon and understand these in historical and cultural context.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which theology relates to other areas of intellectual enquiry.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.