University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Lectures: 4.00 pm Mon, Tue, Thu; Tutorials: Fri

This module aims to provide a basic introduction to the major world religions apart from Christianity. It will consider methodologies for the comparative study of religions and will investigate how the religions studied (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism) function in contexts within and outwith Britain.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures and 1 tutorial

Scheduled learning hours: 42

Guided independent study hours: 158

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor M I Aguilar
Module teaching staff: Prof M Aguilar, Prof J R Davila
Module coordinator email mia2@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Intended Learning Outcomes Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding, and their application: 1) At the end of the module, students should be able to offer an answer to the question ‘which are the main themes andtexts that define the worldreligions?’ and express detailed knowledge of such topic. 2) Students should have a detailed grasp of some of the main texts and rituals celebrated by the world religions. 3) Students should be able to compare and contrast different themes within the world religions and the contemporary developments on inter-religious dialogue. 4) Students should be able to discuss religious belonging within a contemporary secularised society.
• Outcomes of generic intellectual skill Students will have opportunity to develop skills of: 1) Using lecture notes, seminar reading, books from the library, Internet, and other media toacquire information and evidence for essays and seminar papers. 2) Managing and analysing information in ways that facilitate the exercise of critical judgement. 3) Asking informed questions following lectures and during seminars. 4) Engaging with religious texts in the English language, while assuming the difficulties of theological translations. 5) Formulating a clear argument in written work and seminar discussions.
• Outcomes of communication, numerical competence and IT skills 1) Students will have the opportunity to engage in debate and discussion during seminars. 2) Students will be encouraged to use the Internet in order to access relevant documents on the history of the world religions. 3) Students will be able to present a well-structured and well-reasoned line of argument and to display basic word-processing skills.
• Attributes of autonomy, accountability and working with othersStudents will be encouraged: 1) To exercise substantial autonomy in the management of their own learning. 2) To exercise judgement based on awareness of key issues in the area