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Religion in World History - JWST2110
Students studying

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Equivalent: HIST2752
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Uses pilgrimage and travel as a device to examine the role of religion in world history, focusing on the politicized nature of religions, the role of religion in people's lives, and recent manifestations of religious experience. Topics include: Jerusalem; medieval and modern Marian devotion (the Coogee Madonna); Haj; the adoption of pilgrimage as resistance against colonial or totalizing regimes in India and Tibet; religion as protest (Malcolm X); New Religious Movements; 'civic religion' (travel to Ground Zero), pilgrimage to Gallipoli; travel to places associated with iconic people (Diana, Elvis); backpacking and New Age travel and virtual pilgrimage.


Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
  • Critically reflect upon the role of religion in the modern world through a number of interdisciplinary lenses
  • Collect and synthesise sources of history and present a coherent argument
  • Critically analyse and question the interpretation of religion that is frequently presented in the media and in popular culture
  • Better organise, research and write research essays
  • Develop an appreciation of world religions.

Assessment

  • Tutorial notes - 20%
  • Participation - 10%
  • The 'Religious Experience' paper (1500-2000 words) - 20%
  • Research essay (2500 words) - 30%
  • Class test - 20%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.