Introduction to Religious Studies and Hinduism and Buddhism RL1012

In order to receive a final assessment, the student must:
- Take part in a minimum of 60% of the lectures
- Submit and receive approval for one essay (900-1200 words each) by the due date (see the syllabus for details on the topic of the essays and the due date).The essay must include at least two correctly formulated references and a separate bibliography.

- Pass a short test.

- Participate in the in-depth evaluation of the course if such evaluation is stipulated in the relevant term.

When course requirements are not fulfilled, this will count as one examination attempt, unless the student withdraws before the set deadline (1 November).

The final assessment for this course is based on one written school exam (4 hours). The course and final exam will be graded A-F.

Examination support material permitted on the exam: List F2. Link to overview over support material lists: https://www2.mf.no/dokumenter/studier/eksamen/hjelpemidler_eksamen.pdf

Part A: Religious Studies

KNOWLEDGE

The student has:

- good understanding of the discipline of Religious Studies

- good knowledge of relevant theories of religion.

- good knowledge of different definitions of religion

- good knowledge of different methodological approaches to the study of religion

SKILLS

The student can:

- analyse and discuss how the discipline of Religious Studies compares to other disciplines

- analyse different definitions of 'religion'

- analyse classifications and typologies of religion

- give and discuss the basic components of religion

- analyse how different methodologies matter for how we understand religion

- discuss the 'insider/outsider' problem in the study of religion

Part B: Hinduism and Buddhism

KNOWLEDGE

The student has:

- good overview of the historical developments of Hinduism and Buddhism

- good overview of sacred scriptures in Hinduism and Buddhism

- good knowledge of basic philosophical and theological traditions in Hinduism

- good knowledge of basic Buddhist teachings

- good understanding of ritual practices and festivals in both Hinduism and Buddhism

SKILLS

The student can:

- discuss basic developments in Indian religious history

- discuss basic Hindu theology and basic philosophical positions in Hinduism

- discuss basic Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths

- provide basic overviews of Hindu and Buddhist sacred scriptures

- discuss the importance of ritual practices and festivals in Hinduism and Buddhism

RL1012 overlaps partly with RL1011 World Religions. Students who have already completed RL1011 will receive 5 credit points (ECTS) for RL1012 on their transcript of records or diploma.