- Course code: RL5110
- Credits: 10
- Semester: Autumn
- Language: English
Study program affiliation:
Theories and Debates in the Study of Religion RL5110
RL5110 introduces students to classical theory, current debates and key concepts in the academic study of religion. Students will be introduced to classical thinkers in the sociological study of religion using both excerpts from their original writings, and examples of how their ideas are used today. Exact topics treated may vary depending on the course instructor but will include the history of the concept of religion, issues of definition and classification in the study of religion, issues regarding the role of religion in social and political change and problems relating to colonial influences in the formations of religions.
Organization
The course will consist of lectures and seminar-style discussions of assigned texts. It is imperative that students read the assigned texts before coming to class.
About the study
Study requirements
In order to receive a final assessment, the student must:
- attend 75% of all class meetings, which include lectures and seminars
- successfully complete reading response assignments before the date on which the readings are to be discussed in class
- pass two quizzes to be taken online
- 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 May/1 November).
Final assessment/Exam
RL5110 is assessed with a written school exam lasting 6 hours
Exam dates
- Exam date:
- 14. November 2025
- Start time:
- 09:00
- Duration:
- 6 hours
- Final deadline to withdraw from examination:
- 1. November 2025
- Release date for results:
- 5. December 2025
Written school exam - Ordinary exam
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The student has
- advanced knowledge of key analytical concepts and categories used in the academic study of religion
- good knowledge of the core texts at the basis of the sociological study of religion
- good knowledge of how inherited theories of religion are engaged or critiqued today
- advanced knowledge of several important scholars' approach to the study of religion
- good knowledge of the current academic debates about religion presented in the course
Skills:
The student can:
- write concise and informative responses to assigned texts to a proper academic standard showing a capacity for analytical thinking about the course texts
- offer examples, illustrations or applications for the concepts learned
- compare and contrast different approaches to the study of religion and identify conceptual or contextual connections between them
- apply key analytical concepts and categories accurately
Overlapping courses
RL5110: Theories and Debates in the Study of Religion overlaps partially with SAM5010 Theories of Religion
- Students who have already completed SAM5010 will receive 5 credit points (ECTS) for RL5110 on their transcript of records or diploma.
MF advises against combining these two courses.
Reading list
Here you can find the reading list for this course.
Part of the literature will be available digitally, while other parts might only be available in paper format. Some of the literature will be available as compendiums, which you can find via the course room in Canvas.
You will automatically get access to literature that is available digitally when you are sitting at MF, otherwise you can get access by using Oria or by using "External access" in the library's list of databases.
Note that it will take some time before link to the reading list is updated. Please make sure that you are looking at the correct semester's reading list.
Course Coordinator
