REL4560 – Topics in the Study of Religion
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Topic spring? 2024: Authority and legitimation - Tradition, charisma, and science in contemporary religion
How do contemporary gurus, prophets, or shamans convince modern audiences of their extraordinary powers? How is religious authority legitimized in secular, globalized societies, and why do new religious movements appeal to 'tradition'? How are beliefs and practices shaped by science and technology? Additionally, how does mythology intersect with pseudoscience and conspiracy theories?
These are some of the questions that will be addressed in the course, which explores key themes in the study of religion—traditional, charismatic, and rational-scientific legitimation and authority—with contemporary theories.
The students will engage with this framework in case studies of emerging religious authorities in a global context (Europe, Asia, USA), which have a social impact, but are previously unexplored in research. Through data collection and the analysis of primary sources, students will contribute to ongoing research, and ideally, co-write academic papers, receiving due credit and possibly co-authorship.
The training requires active student participation, is both theoretical and practical, with emphasis on academic writing, provided through writing workshops and peer feedback.
Learning outcome
Specific for the spring semester 2024:?
- Deeper understanding of authority and legitimation strategies in modern global contexts, with emphasis on appeals to tradition, charisma, and science
- Overview of contemporary theories and knowledge of analytical tools to critically assess the construction of authority and legitimation strategies in various religious and cultural settings
- Practical training in the analysis of new religious material through case studies, thereby contributing to original research
- Training in academic writing, as an individual and collaborative effort
- Understanding of the steps in the research process, from data collection and analysis to publication and dissemination, and involvement in it
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that students have previously completed courses within the study of religion. The course is an advanced-level course and students are expected to be familiar with key issues, debates and methods within the study of religion.
Teaching
Teaching is given in the form of five half-day seminars. You will receive more information from the course teacher at the start of the semester.
The course is based on workshops and active student participation. Students will contribute to case studies and will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research and academic publications. Practical training in academic writing is integrated through writing workshops and peer feedback.
Compulsory activity:
- You will must submit three drafts for the portfolio through the semester.
Examination
The examination is a portfolio exam, consisting of a selection of the assignments handed in throughout the semester. The exam may consist of one or several of the texts produced during the course. The portfolio can not exceed 15 standard pages (2300 characters without spaces). More information about the portfolio will be given on the course page on Canvas.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.