Studies in Religion Descriptions
Errata
| Item | Errata | Date |
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| 1. |
The following unit details are missing: RLST4116 Secular and Civil Religion |
15/1/2019 |
Studies in Religion
Major
A major in Studies in Religion requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(iii) 18 credit points of 3000-level selective units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units
Minor
A minor in Studies in Religion requires 36 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(iii) 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units
1000 level units of study
Core
RLST1002 Religion: Texts, Life and Tradition
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x1500wd Take-home paper (30%), 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x500wd early feedback (10%), 1x500wd Tutorial presentation (10%), Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
In this unit, students will learn about the major religions, ancient and modern: Indigenous traditions, Egypt and Mesopotamia, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. History, texts, beliefs and practices are outlined to provide a foundation using the lens of lived religion. Fundamental skills and methodologies of the discipline are integrated into the program.
RLST1005 Atheism, Fundamentalism and New Religions
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x2000wd Take-home paper (40%), 1x500wd Presentation (10%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines religion in the contemporary world including recent high-profile debates and the emergence of new religions. Case studies and themes include: fundamentalism, the 'new' atheism, the effect of globalisation, consumerism and new media on religious practice, new forms of spirituality and enchantment.
2000 level units of study
Selective
RLST2612 Ancient Gnosticism
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (12 junior credit points in Studies in Religion) or (6 junior credit points in Studies in Religion and (ANHS1600 or ANHS1601 or ANHS1602)) Prohibitions: RLST2012 Assessment: 2x1500wd essay (60%), 1x1500wd seminar presentation (30%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit provides an overview of the Ancient Gnostic, Hermetic and Manichaean traditions: the 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 is the study of recently discovered texts such as the gnostic gospels.
RLST2614 Philosophy of Religion: Reason and Belief
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2014 Assessment: participation (10%), 1x2500wd essay (50%), 1x2000wd presentation and paper (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit introduces students to the subfield Philosophy of Religion, from a cross-cultural perspective. It provides an overview of central topics, including the nature of existence, free will, immorality, and life after death. The unit's central case study is an examination of debates about reason and belief. How are these modes of knowledge understood and valued? How are they understood to relate to one another? Are they the only options available? What role do they play in understanding cultural difference and religious practice in the contemporary world?
RLST2624 The Birth of Christianity
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Studies in Religion or 6 credit points at 1000 level in in Studies in Religion and 6 credit points at 1000 level in Ancient History Prohibitions: RLST2024 Assessment: 1x1000wd Oral Presentation (20%), 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x1500wd Take-home paper (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
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.
RLST2631 Celtic and Germanic Mythology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Carole Cusack Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1-hr lectures/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2001 or RLST2002 Assessment: 1x2000wd essay (50%), 1x1500wd text-based assignment (30%), 1x500wd equivalent tutorial presentation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
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.
RLST2639 Secular Religion: Faith in Modernity
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Studies in Religion Assessment: 1x 3000wd Research Essay (50%), 1x 1500wd Community-engaged tute paper (35%), Seminar participation (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines tensions between states and religions and the emergence of secular society. It investigates the 'ultimate concerns' of moderns, the focus on self-transformation, and how 'multi-faith' states operate. The unit provides students with vital methodologies to deeply examine the nature of 'religion' in modernity.
RLST2640 Contemporary Australian Religion
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2627, RLST3603 Assessment: 1x 500wd Scoping Task (10%), x Tutorial Participation (10%), 1x 2500wd Research Essay (50%), 1x 500wd Site Visit Presentation (10%), 1x 1000wd Media Journal (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Contemporary Australia manifests low levels of institutional religion, a multi-cultural and multi-faith population, and a vocal atheist/ secularist lobby. Students explore religion in the media and law, the Constitution, and Census data on religion. Issues examined include atheism and secularity, Aboriginal religion, values, sport and ANZAC as religious phenomena.
BBCL2610 The New Testament Literature
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points including at least 6 in BBCL1001, BBCL1002, HBRW1111, HBRW1112, RLST1002 and 6 from Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies, Ancient History, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, English, Philosophy, Studies in Religion, Arabic Studies or 6 Senior credit points in BBCL2603, BBCL2607, BBCL2609 or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture or Studies in Religion Assessment: 1x2700wd research essay (50%), 1xequivalent to 1500wds tutorial presentation and paper (30%), 1x300wd research proposal (10%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit of study provides an overview of the New Testament as a literary and theological work, seeking to understand both the early Christian 'story' and the various modes in which it was retold and applied in the first century CE. Students explore the various genres of NT literature, including 'gospel', epistolary forms, parable and apocalyptic. Particular attention is paid to reader-response criticism of the Gospels and intertextuality in the NT epistles. Documents will be read in English translation.
3000 level units of study
Selective
RLST3601 Rethinking Religion
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (30%), 1x3000wd research proposal (50%), 1x1000wd Oral Presentation (10%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Contemporary issues in the academic study of religion are investigated to give students experience of advanced research. The history of religion/s and contentious key terms are debated, and students are introduced to field studies methodology and other complex research strategies. In devising research questions and completing an extended research project, students develop a dynamic and assured academic voice.
RLST3604 Ancient Egyptian Religion and Magic
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Ancient History Prohibitions: RLST2636 Assessment: 1x 1000wd Seminar Presentation (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1500wd Take-home paper (30%), 1x Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Students will learn about the cosmologies, gods and religious structures of Pharaonic Egypt from the imperial cult to the domestic; its legacy including the Roman cult of Isis, Hermeticism, magical handbooks from the Greek to the Islamic era; the popular and scientific rediscovery of ancient Egypt and its influence on modern esotericism and popular culture.
RLST3605 Sex, Desire and the Sacred
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2635 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Public Discourse Analysis (30%), 1x 3000wd Essay (50%), 1x 1000wd equivalent Presentation (10%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit examines the relation between sexuality, desire, gender and the sacred as presented in a diverse range of religious traditions; mysticism; tantra; cults of virginity and abstinence; sacred androgyny; philosophy of religion approach to gender and ontology, epistemology and ethics; cultural difference as it pertains to issues of religion and sexuality
RLST3606 Sacred Creativity: Text, Image, Film
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2628, RLST2625 Assessment: 1x4000wd (55%), 1x2000wd essay on creative methods (30%), participation (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
The keys to human creativity have long been encoded in religious endeavour. Here we examine the thoughts and methods that have enabled profound artistic and literary responses within, and in response to, religious worldviews. The impact of inspiration, prophecy, dreams, drug-taking, and ritual on great art, literature, and film will be demonstrated.
RLST3607 Witchcraft Paganism and Western Esotericism
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/ week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2626 Assessment: 1x1500wd Site Visit and Blog/ Report (15%), Participation (15%), 1x3000wd Essay (40%), 1x1500wd Film Review (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Witchcraft, Paganism and Western Esotericism examines the rebirth of esoteric traditions in the modern world. Esotericism is diverse and connections between Pagans, goddess worshippers, witchcraft and occultists are complex. This unit attempts to assess their importance in contemporary spirituality.
RLST3608 Religion and Violence, Faith and Blood
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: RLST2620 Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), 1x5mins or 500wd equivalent Tutorial presentation (10%), 1x500wd Source review (15%), 1x500wd Essay proposal (15%), 1x3000wd Essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
The last century has been beset by wars, depressions, and extraordinary technological advances. Traditional values and the rise of reactive fundamentalisms have backgrounded this extreme violence. This unit examines how this has been addressed through religious thought and action, new spiritualities, and by leading religious figures.
Interdisciplinary project unit of study
RLST3998 Industry and Community Project
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive February,Intensive January,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Interdisciplinary Impact in any major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit is designed for third year students to undertake a project that allows them to work with one of the University's industry and community partners. Students will work in teams on a real-world problem provided by the partner. This experience will allow students to apply their academic skills and disciplinary knowledge to a real-world issue in an authentic and meaningful way.
RLST3999 Interdisciplinary Impact
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion Prohibitions: Interdisciplinary Impact in another major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Interdisciplinarity is a key skill in fostering agility in life and work. This unit provides learning experiences that build students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the application of their disciplinary background to interdisciplinary contexts. In this unit, students will work in teams and develop interdisciplinarity skills through problem-based learning projects responding to 'real world problems'.
Honours
Honours in Studies in Religion requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 36 credit points of 4000-level Honours thesis units
(ii) 12 credit points of 4000-level Honours seminar units
Honours seminar units of study
RLST4113 Methodology in the Study of Religion
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr seminar/wk Assessment: 1x 3000wd Essay A (50%), 1x 3000wd Essay B (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
In this unit you will examine methodological and theoretical approaches to the academic study of religion. Most theorists covered are from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The approaches discussed include philosophy, sociology, anthropology, politics, and cultural studies. Students select methods and theories to apply to religions.
RLST4115 Pilgrimage in the Great Traditions
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 3000wd Essay A (50%), 1x 3000wd Essay B (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
The unit is a study of pilgrimage practices in dominant faith traditions including Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Students will consider a variety of literature on pilgrimage and will develop two research projects on specific case studies. Students analyse both pilgrimage practices and their representation in academic and popular discourse.
RLST4116 Secular and Civil Religion
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
Honours thesis units of study
RLST4111 Studies in Religion Honours Thesis I
Credit points: 18 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 7 x 0.5hr supervision meetings/semester on average Mode of delivery: Supervision Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
This unit involves research towards and preliminary writing of an Honours thesis of 20 000 words in collaboration with a supervisor approved by the Studies in Religion Honours Coordinator.
RLST4112 Studies in Religion Honours Thesis 2
Credit points: 18 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 7 x 0.5hr meetings/semester on average. Assessment: 1x 20000wd Honours thesis (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences
The Honours thesis is a supervised research project that is 20,000 words in length. In this unit you begin a substantial, independent research project in Studies in Religion. Regular meetings with a supervisor approved by the Studies in Religion Honours Coordinator will guide your progress. You will develop a plan for researching and writing the thesis, submit an ethics application if appropriate, familiarize yourself with disciplinary conventions and standards, engage with relevant literature, theories and methodologies, and submit drafts at agreed times.