Religious diversity (5cr)

Objective

After completing the study unit, the student - can describe and explain problematics related to the definition and classification of religious traditions, - can analyze the global significance of religious traditions in the present day, and - can interpret diversity within and between religious traditions. The study unit advances the following generic skills: internationalization, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise.

Content

The study unit discusses non-Christian religious traditions from a study of religion perspective, taking into account challenges related to the definition and classification of religion. The focus is on the global multifariousness of the contemporary religious field. The religious traditions explored more closely may vary depending on the course unit.

Qualifications

Recommended previous study units: Religion as a concept and object of research

Materials

Study method 1: Lecture course: Learning materials are provided at the course. The material is partly or wholly in English. Study method 2: Independent study: A) Suzanne Owen (2011), “The World Religions Paradigm: Time for a Change,” Arts and Humanities in Higher Education 10 (3): 253–268 (16 p). B) Willoughby Deming, ed. (2015), Understanding the Religions of the World, p. 1–324 and 389–480 (415 p).

Further information

Offerign data: Degree students of the University of Eastern Finland, minor subject students, students with alumni study right, International exchange students, students with the right to cross-institutional studies, students of open university. Time: Lecture course in the fourth period. Independent study throughout the academic year. Campus: Joensuu Language of tuition: Finnish. Learning assignments can be written in English. Theology or study of religion minors: If you have completed this study unit for another module, complete “Advanced Course: Study of world religions” (2400BT94) instead.