This unit is a general introduction to the history of religions, beginning with the emergence of religion in pre-literate societies as evidenced in art and archaeology. It then studies the ancient religions of Egypt and Mesopotamia, Persia, India, China, Israel, Greece and Rome; before turning to the growth and spread of world religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. Students are expected to specialise in traditions and themes of their own choice in writing Essays.

What is the 'new' atheism? How have globalisation and new media affected religious practice? This unit considers a broad range of recent high-profile events and contemporary debates and controversies in religion. Topics include: the supposed rise of fundamentalism, arguments over 'the death of God', new forms of spirituality and enchantment. Through the use of case studies, from UFO-religions to The Gospel of Judas, students examine the overarching theme: What is the future of religion?

This unit examines the history of Christianity from the late Roman Empire to the close of the Middle Ages. A survey of the chief landmarks of the Christian religion in its social setting, in terms of its significant beliefs, experiences and diverse cultural expressions. A tutorial hour will be devoted to an exploration of some major philosophical and theological themes from Late Antique Christianity to the Middle Ages.

This unit provides an overview of the Ancient Gnostic, Hermetic and Manichaean traditions, with particular emphasis on certain topics and themes. These include: exploration of the divine and demonic worlds; the nature of gnosis or knowledge; magic, the occult sciences and alchemy; dualism and the problem of evil; cosmogony, apocalypse and eschatology. A special feature of this unit is the use of new or recently discovered texts such as the so-called gnostic gospels.

Since the late 19th century, discussion within the philosophy of religion has shifted from the traditional arguments for God's existence to a broader set of themes concerning the relations of reason and faith. In this course, we will critically examine a range of philosophical approaches that are responsible for this shift, analysing how philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Wittgenstein have understood these two concepts and the relations between them. We will ask: what is reason and what is its status? Is it sovereign or is faith autonomous from reason? Can they coexist or do they pose a threat to each other?

The twentieth century faced an unprecedented range of near-global crises - wars, depressions, communist-capitalist confrontation, ethnic conflict, epidemics, ecological disasters, extraordinary technological advances, the radical questioning of traditional values (along with secularisation) followed by reactive fundamentalisms, as well as serious tensions between modern science and religious conservatism. This unit considers how these crises have been addressed in religious thought and action. It will discuss popular mentalities and new spiritualities together with responses in the thought and praxis of leading religious figures.

This unit discusses the textual, archaeological and socio-cultural evidence for the origins of Christianity; with a particular purpose to analyse how cults centred on the charismatic figure of Jesus of Nazareth led to the construction of such a powerful religious tradition. Tensions within that emergent tradition will be considered, and especially its struggle towards self-identity with both Judaism and the Greco-Roman world.

An investigation into the various ways in which the arts - music, dance, literature and visual art - relate to religious life. Lectures and tutorials will introduce students to the world of religion and art in the traditions of China, India, the Middle East and Europe. The interpretation will particularly focus upon the way a people's understanding of the sacred shapes the significance they give to the arts.

The rebirth of paganism progressed steadily throughout the twentieth century. Pagans celebrate diversity and heterogeneity, in sharp contrast to the major Western traditions which were exclusive and doctrinally prescriptive. The interrelationships between pagans, goddess worshippers and witchcraft/occultism are fascinating and labyrinthine. This unit will explore three areas of modern religion, and attempt to assess the importance of their contribution for the future of religion.

This unit analyses the position of religion in a range of films, such as the presentation of Buddhism in recent Western films (Kundun, Little Buddha, Seven Years in Tibet); the image of Christianity in 'sword and sandal' epics (Ben Hur, Quo Vadis); the role of film in familiarising Western audiences with unfamiliar religious traditions (e.g. ethnographic documentaries); and the depiction of post-modern religious concerns in science fiction (Blade Runner, The Matrix etc).

This unit investigates the mythology and the religion of the Celtic and Germanic peoples. It ranges from prehistoric sites of Hallstatt (800 BCE) and Jastorf (350 BCE) to the Christian Middle Ages, when mythological collections (e.g. the Eddas and the Lebor Gebala) were complied. Sources used include archaeology, texts, folkloric survivals, and Indo-European mythology. It covers deities and the supernatural; sacred times and places; kingship and priesthood; goddesses; death and afterlife; and the conversion of the Celts and Germans to Christianity.

This unit examines relations between sexuality, desire, gender and the sacred as presented in the major faith traditions, including their esoteric currents, and in New Age religion. It is designed to introduce students to conceptualisations of the self and divine and their interrelation, and covers core philosophy of religion topics such as ontology and ethics. Topics include tantra, the commercialisation of 'sacred sex', eroto-mysticism, cults of virginity and abstinence. Significant attention is given to issues of cultural difference and gender.

This unit will introduce the cosmologies, gods and religious structures of Pharoanic Egypt, including the imperial cult, sacred language, popular religion and magic. It will then consider the legacy of ancient Egyptian religion and magic in late antiquity, including the cult of Isis, Hermetic and Gnostic movements, the spiritual influence of the city of Alexandra, and the persistence of Coptic magic. Finally, there will be discussion of the abiding fascination with all things Egyptian in modern esotericism and popular culture.

This unit investigates pressing contemporary issues in the method and study of religion. It prepares students for advanced research, including honours. Historical analysis of religion and contentious key terms are debated, as students are introduced to field studies methodology and other complex research strategies. Theoretical work is more tightly integrated in this unit with research practice and the unit is structured to nurture the student in an extended research project, helping them to find a dynamic and assured academic voice.

From the fifteenth century Christianity spread to Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific. Students will interrogate the relationship between Christian doctrine and cultural accommodation within colonialism, the European domination of the 'Global South', and the contemporary re-evangelisation of the 'Global North' by former colonies. New trends explored include online Christianity, growing Pentecostal congregations, radical transformations caused by individualism, gender, and indigenous politics. Students' investigations will focus on global agendas, such as liberation theology, environmental ethics, and Christian popular culture.

Contemporary Australia manifests low levels of institutional religion, a multi-cultural and multi-faith population, and a vocal atheist/secularist lobby. It is an ideal laboratory for students to study twenty-first century trends. Learning activities include engagement with religion in the media and law, investigation of religious sites, the Constitution, and the Census data on religion. Issues examined include atheism and secularity, Aboriginal religion, spirituality, values, sport and ANZAC as religious phenomena, and the significant contribution of religion to politics, education, and art.

Honours is an intensive year-long program of advanced study based around research. Honours is undertaken after successful completion of a Bachelor degree and where the overall mark is a minimum credit average (70%). Entry into Honours is selective and work at this level is challenging. Honours is available in most subjects areas taught in the Faculty, and which are listed under Tables A and B in the Handbook. Students will complete a thesis and coursework seminars throughout the year. For further information contact the Honours Coordinator in the department or consult the Handbook entry for the relevant subject area.

Refer to RLST4011

Refer to RLST4011

Refer to RLST4011

This unit examines the ways in which the religious impulse has been expressed socially, the role of religion in society, the way in which individuals form and change religious commitments, the ways in which religious groups have been organised and evolve, the nature of belief as it is expressed collectively and individually, and controversies over the role of religion in social life. Illustrations from contemporary events will be used to explore major religious policy issues and controversies.