What Makes This Course So Special?
A key aspect of this course is the extensive range of visits that have been incorporated into the course to support our students’ learning. We provide the opportunity to visit many faith groups during which we are able to observe and participate in worship (if we wish), to hear the perspective of religious specialists and to find out from them how they live their lives.
Students choosing our Religious studies degree are given the chance to take one of our tailor-made study tours of India. In alternate years we visit North India or South India to experience its rich cultural diversity. This trip has been designed to correspond directly with elements of all three years of teaching. Participants are taken to places that they have read about and experience a variety of different religious traditions, and even a village school. Eastern religions, particularly as practiced in India, are a riot of sounds, smells and sights that just cannot be communicated through formal lecturing. Therefore, the trip to India brings the study of religions alive for the students.
One student had this to say: “The trip offered a sense of perspective to my studies. There is a danger when you are studying to either over romanticise or under appreciate certain aspects and the people/environment involved. Visiting the place of origin for myself, helped give my studies grounding.”
Our module that examines film and religion has proved extremely popular with our students. It examines a range of films from around the world, many of which were previously unknown to the students. Sharing our experiences of the films we examine what issues they raise and how they might influence our understanding of religion and of other cultures.
You will examine both the origins and the contemporary facets of Christianity and Islam, including the controversies surrounding the construction of both the Bible and the Qur’an. You will consider how Christianity and Islam are being interpreted today by focussing on issues such as attitudes to women and to homosexuality; the rise of fundamentalism; the relationship of the two faiths to politics and violence and the attempts to reinterpret them for the 21st Century.
Our Religion and Cyberspace module examines the innovative - often surprising - ways which faiths have appropriated ICT. From philosophies which view cyberspace as sacred space in its own right, to more down-to-earth ways that churches use social networking sites, a range of faiths is studied – including New Religious Movements. For food for thought, why not Google the following: 1) Partenia, 2) Cyber-Hukamnama, 3) Treeleaf Zendo and 4) St Pixels.
We are one of the few universities in the country to offer a module on Jainism, a little known but influential Indian religion (in particular its doctrine of non-violence was instrumental in shaping Gandhi’s peaceful resistance campaign). In light of the current interest in Islam and the ideas that have prompted some to feel that violence is the answer, we have extended our teaching on this, much misunderstood religious tradition. In addition you will be able to undertake a study of a faith community of your choice; and the module religion in cyberspace gives you an opportunity to explore the growing presence of religion on the net, and in second life etc. If you would like detailed information on individual modules please contact the programme leader lynn.foulston@newport.ac.uk
Find out more about the subject of Religious Studies at Newport.
Course Into
Religion is an integral aspect of modern society and even if you are not religious yourself, religion will have an impact on your life in some way.
On the course you will look at different people and cultures, their views and beliefs, the world and our place in it. You will examine how and why people think in different ways, including an exploration of the ethical aspects of contemporary life. You will explore a variety of religions and diverse subject matter. You will also benefit from the strong contemporary aspect provided on the course that makes it relevant to life here and now, not simply the past.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to experience a series of field trips - including India. Visiting places of worship, and meeting the practitioners of other faiths and traditions provides a hands-on experience and ‘real’ insight into the world of others.
What you study
Year 1
Year 1 is the basis of all later study. You will be introduced to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism and you will concentrate on the visible aspect of religion, ‘living religion’. We will widen your knowledge base through the inclusion of ethical discussion, encompassing a wider and more detailed analysis of culture and politics. Added to this is an investigation of religion in its broadest sense, encompassing art, and attitudes to belonging, death and alternatives to formal religion. This first year also includes numerous visits to faith communities, guest speakers and practical sessions, such as a Tai Chi workshop.
Year 2
Year 2 will involve you in a more in-depth analysis of religion. We explore the origins of major faiths and consider the often disputed processes through which they originated. A module on Jainism (not offered by many universities) supplements the work on other Indian religions. In addition, we offer a module on the anthropology of religion and an opportunity to make an in-depth study of a faith community of your choice.
We have good links with several universities abroad and opportunities are available to study a semester overseas (in Europe or the USA) in the second year to students on all Humanities courses.
Year 3
Year 3 focuses on the contemporary aspect of the study of religion. The course includes an examination of the more recent developments in Christianity and Islam probing modern ideas and controversies such as the role of women and political violence. You will also examine contemporary developments in the Eastern religions, particularly those that are now popular globally. A module on Religion, Culture and Film, examines religion in its broadest sense; whilst a module on religion and cyberspace emphasises the constantly changing nature of religion. The final year also includes a chance to undertake a research project into an area of personal interest.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
We now live in a multi-cultural society and, we are told, in a “Global Village”. Those who have an understanding of different cultures, their beliefs and values, and the ability to think for themselves will possess key skills applicable to most types of work. Careers in teaching, social services, the police, tourism, publishing and the civil service are a few prospects open to our graduates. With a degree in Religious Studies, the world is your oyster!
Interview Required
No formal interview, but you are encouraged to come and meet staff and discuss the course on designated visit days.
Assessment
You will be assessed by essay and portfolio work, practical debating in groups, individual oral presentations and by examination. In the final year you will undertake a research dissertation on a subject of your own choice.
Student Soundbite
“This course was both fascinating and fun. We were introduced to everything from Bollywood to Buddha. The lectures gave you a whole new perspective on the world and its religions. All of the lecturers were very friendly and supportive and the field trips (think elephants and Sikh banquets!) really bring everything that you learn to life.”