TF9210 – Theory and Methods
Course description
Course content
Philosophical questions underpin all research whether explicitly acknowledged or not. Within theology and religious studies, important differences exist between, for example, hermeneutics and philology in the study of historical or sacred texts as well as ethnography and qualitative research on society and religious communities. Ethical and doctrinal issues raise fundamental issues in the philosophy of religion. In all these cases, we need to discuss what methods produce valid data and judgements (methodology). At core, they reflect underlying assumptions (ontologies) about theology and religion, some of which are in direct contradiction with each other. These differences have important implications for the way we study religion and theology. As a result, it is important to grasp these differences and to be able to recognise how they influence the research process.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Candidates will:
Become familiar with the dominant philosophical debates in the study of theology and religion and how these compare to the social and human sciences as well as the life sciences.
Be provided with a working knowledge of current philosophical debates.
Understand the core debates within most disciplines in theology and religious studies.
Skills
Candidates will know how to:
Differentiate the ontological and epistemological differences that underpin research traditions Recognize different ontological and epistemological frameworks in their own work.
Competences
Candidates will:
Improve their abilities to use theory appropriately within their own work.
Improve their abilities to match their methods with theoretical commitments.
Enhance their abilities to work across disciplines.
Teaching
Lectures and interactive sessions spread over 5 days.
Compulsory activities:
75% attendance on each day of instruction.
Active participation during the lectures, seminars and group discussions.
The participants are expected to be familiar with the curriculum in advance.
Examination
Essay:
Can only be handed in after you have attended 75% of each day of instruction.
Must be between 4000-5000 words. Optional cover page, abstract, illustrations and list of references come in addition.
Must have Times New Roman, font size 12, and a line and paragraph spacing of 1.5.
For source references and quotations, please use a style template established for your own discipline. The style you use must be consistent.
Should use sources both from within the course as well as others you identify independently to support your argument.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.