Introduction to Religious Studies 3600-WO-WBR(L)
During the classes, the students will be introduced to modern religious studies in order to develop the ability to recognize, define, classify and interpret religious phenomena. The selected readings will be designed to develop and deepen critical thinking skills with the use of concepts and theories of contemporary Religious Studies, as well as to develop the ability to formulate problems in research on religion. The theories and concepts learned will serve to develop the ability to analyze the chosen form of expression of religious experience.
Issues addressed during the class will include:
- what is religion?
- definitions of religion
- research on religions - historical background
- research on religions in Poland - historical background
- key approaches to the study of religions: theory of religion, theology, philosophy of religion, general religious studies, sociology of religion, history of religion, psychology of religion, comparative religious studies
- typology of religious phenomena in the context of the triple division into doctrinal, cultural and organizational aspects.
- key topics in the study of religions: secularization, gender, Orientalism, religious authority, fundamentalism, new religious movements, religious pluralism.
- religion and culture, religion and material culture
- religion and magic
- religion and diaspora
- Sacrum and Profanum
- the public sphere and the functioning of religion - state-religion relations
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
- knows and understands the place and importance of the study of religion in the humanities and its specificity in relation to the subject and methodology K_W01
- has organized general knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in the scope of the study of religion K_W02
- knows and understands basic trends and terms in religious studies as well as understands the relationship between the development of religious ideas and changes in culture and society K_W03
- knows and understands the interactions between the main sub-disciplines of religious studies and knows the concepts of selected classical figures in religious studies K_W04
Skills
- is able to use search for, analyze, evaluate and use information from different sources K_U01
- is able to use the basic terminology from the domain of religious studies K_U02
- is able to apply the knowledge from the field of religious studies to the analyze and interpret religious phenomena K_U04
Social competences
- understands the need of lifelong learning K_K01
- is aware of the cultural diversity and its religious, philosophical, traditional and historical roots and its significance for understanding of the modern world K_K05
- recognizes the need for intercultural dialogue K_K06
Assessment criteria
- exam – 60%
- attendance control – 15%
- continuous assessment (preparation for classes and activity) – 25%
Bibliography
Required literature:
Bronk Andrzej, "Podstawy nauk o religii", Lublin 2003.
Waardenburg, Jacques (1991 [1986]), "Religia i religie. Systematyczne wprowadzenie do religioznawstwa", Warszawa 1991.
Lanczkowski, Günther (1986), "Wprowadzenie do religioznawstwa", Warszawa 1986.
"The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion", John R. Hinnels (red.), London-New York 2010.
Literatura zalecana:
"The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Religion", Michael Stausberg, Steven Engler (red.), London-New York 2011.
"Socjologia religii" - praca zbiorowa pod red. Franciszka Adamskiego, Kraków 2011.
Jacques Waardenburg, "Classical Approaches to the Study of Religion: Aims, Methods, and Theories of Research. Introduction and Anthology", Berlin-Boston 2017.
Bronk Andrzej, "Nauki o religii" [w:] H. Zimoń (red.), "Religia w świecie współczesnym. Zarys problematyki religiologicznej", Lublin 2001, s. 23-52.
Eliade Mircea, "Sacrum a profanum. O istocie sfery religijnej", Warszawa 2008.
Hoffmann Henryk, "Dzieje polskich badań religioznawczych 1873-1939", Kraków 2004.
Mariański Janusz, "Społeczny charakter religi"i [w:] H. Zimoń (red.), "Religia w świecie współczesnym. Zarys problematyki religiologicznej", Lublin 2001, s. 129-166.
Rusecki Marian, "Geneza religii" [w:] H. Zimoń (red.), "Religia w świecie współczesnym. Zarys problematyki religiologicznej", Lublin 2001, s. 71-88.
Zdybicka Zofia J., "Czym jest i dlaczego istnieje religia" [w:] H. Zimoń (red.), "Religia w świecie współczesnym. Zarys problematyki religiologicznej", Lublin 2001, s. 53-69.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: