RRE4204 – Comparative Ritual: Jewish, Christian and Muslim worship
Course description
Course content
Prayer, worship, and liturgy are essential aspects of the three Abrahamic religions. The course will give an introduction to the rituals of each of these religions, both in contemporary practice and historical evolution. On the basis of a general knowledge we will compare the three worship traditions on a number of themes. How do Jews, Christians and Muslims worship in their daily life, through services, prayers, hymns, scriptural texts and gestures? What do these rituals mean, officially and personally? What are the fasts and feasts, their practice and meaning, in the three religions? Is prayer and worship communal and/or private, obligatory and/or optional? Through a comparative approach we will explore the relationship and mutual influences between the three worship traditions.
Learning outcome
The student will acquire knowledge and understanding of important features and evolutions of ritual in Rabbinic Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The student will be able to compare the three Abrahamic worship traditions and recognize their similarities and differences. This will enhance the student’s general knowledge and understanding of these three religions.
Admission
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.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with RRE4206 – Ritual in Early Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Teaching
Teaching has the form of lectures throughout the semester.
Obligatory requirements:
Three written assignments of ca. 1000 words.
Examination
A paper of between eight and ten pages (3000-4000 words) on one out of three themes proposed by the teacher in Canvas approximately one month before the date of submission.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
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.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.