Skip to main content
 

THEO1131: WORLDVIEW, FAITH AND IDENTITY

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To outline established approaches to the study of religion.
  • To introduce ideas of identity, faith, and worldview as foundations for religious thought and practice.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of related areas at level 2.

Content

  • This module sets out to provide an approach to the study of religions in two, complementary ways. First, we explore a variety of methods used in religious studies, including the anthropology, sociology, psychology and history of religions. Second, we consider the key beliefs and practices of the major world religions with particular foci on issues of identity, faith, and worldviews.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • A knowledge of the beliefs and practices of selected religions.
  • A knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with the study of religions, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study.
  • A knowledge of selected concepts concerning the nature of group and individual identity, faith traditions and worldview perspectives.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Basic competence in the methodological analysis of religions.

Key Skills:

  • Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
  • Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
  • Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
  • Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures221 per week1 hour22Yes
Seminars111 per fortnight1 hour11Yes
Preparation and Reading167 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Unseen Examination2 hours100 

Formative Assessment

One essay, 3000 words. No collection.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.