Programme Specification 1

Transcription

1 Programme Specification 1 1. Programmes: Programme Title UCAS GU Code Code Master of Arts with Joint Honours in Theology and Religious Studies A1HV813H 2.1 SCQF Level: Credits: Awarding Institution: University of Glasgow 4. Teaching Institutions: University of Glasgow 5. College: College of Arts 6. School: Critical Studies [REG ] 7. Programme Accredited By: 8. Entrance Requirements: 1 This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course can be found in course handbooks and other programme documentation and online at The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 1 of 7

2 Please refer to the current undergraduate prospectus at: 9. Programme Aims: The Theology and Religious Studies programme at the University of Glasgow is a forward looking, researchled, interdisciplinary environment concerned in the impact of religion in our contemporary global context. Within the subject area students are members of an academic community alongside internationally recognised scholars who teach at all levels. Due to the high reputation of staff and the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum students from all over the world are drawn to the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. One significant advantage of studying in such an environment is that cutting edge research is introduced by lecturing staff to students from Level1, enabling them to engage with the very latest ideas in the field. The MA programme reflects the conviction that students at every level should be inducted into a research-led approach to the discipline. Within the overall context of a Joint MA programme, the Theology and Religious Studies component of the programme has the following aims: to engage students in the critical study of Theology and Religion(s) with an awareness of the distinctive perspectives offered by historical and contemporary, faith-based and secular, local and global approaches to provide a curriculum in Theology and Religious Studies which reflects concerns for both breadth and depth of knowledge and provides opportunities for both strategic overview and close engagement with the subject matter to develop the required skills in textual analysis, critical reading, analytical thinking and effective written and oral communication, along with IT literacy and a reflective capacity for group-work that are necessary to study Theology and Religious Studies at Honours Level. to promote the academic values of respect for and attention to varied viewpoints, awareness of cultural diversity, fair representation of differing perspectives and participation in dialogue in the study of Theology and Religious Studies. 10. Intended Learning Outcomes of Programme: By the end of the Theology and Religious Studies component of the degree programme, students will be able to: Knowledge and Understanding demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of at least one of the world s religions display knowledge and understanding of religions as historical and cultural phenomena, characterised by diversity and subject to change undertake critical readings of key religious texts, including scriptures, which display an awareness of the hermeneutical issues involved analyse religious texts and phenomena in relation to issues of gender, sexuality, confessional commitment, secularisation and religious pluralism develop critically informed discussions of the role of theology and religion within historical and contemporary cultural and political contexts Skills and Other Attributes Subject Specific/Practical Skills ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 2 of 7

3 By the end of this programme students will be able to: make effective use of library and web based resources relevant to theology and religious studies to gather information for research purposes demonstrate hermeneutical awareness in reading scriptural and theological texts, including awareness of specific issues raised by reading texts in translation from ancient languages analyse religious phenomena in ways which display sensitivity to cultural and contextual factors Intellectual Skills engage in close readings of individual texts informed by a range of secondary literature weigh arguments from a range of sources and viewpoints and to come to critical and informed judgments about contested issues formulate research questions and develop appropriate methodologies to explore them give clear and fluent expression to complex ideas and arguments select and produce appropriate genres of writing and communication and display a reflective awareness of the rhetorical styles and approaches used Transferable/Key Skills produce effective and fluent written and oral communication display an ability to engage in group discussions, participating through listening, suggesting, questioning display the skills of time management and an ability to plan and prioritise work and ability to write and produce to deadlines display an ability to research specific topics relevant to a research question or assignment display an ability to work independently and show initiative in pursuing research 11. Assessment Methods: Assessment at every level is both formative and summative, with a range of opportunities for feedback and development. Summative assessment is carefully positioned in the context of each course with regard to the development of core knowledge and skills. Students will experience a varied range of assessments throughout the programme with opportunities: to undertake individual and collaborative assessments, such as examinations, short and long essays, seminar papers, presentations, group projects, and peer feedback and staff feedback in tutorial and seminar classes to develop their written work in the light of both formative feedback in class and feedback on summative assessments. to develop their skills of personal and subject-oriented reflection through reflective practice and personal development planning (PDP) to enhance student experience and to encourage students to review their development, identify future goals, and plan the steps required to accomplish those goals. Students may choose to undertake dissertation in their final year, on a topic agreed with a supervisor on the staff. This dissertation can be either a 30 credit or a 60 credit. The supervision process offers a variety of forms of feedback, from discussion of ideas to feedback on draft chapters. The submitted dissertation is marked by two members of staff and the mark moderated by an external examiner. ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 3 of 7

4 12. Learning and Teaching Approaches: Courses are taught through a variety of approaches appropriate to level and group size and determined by the nature of the topic in question, from more formal lectures to seminar/discussion groups. Approaches to learning include lecture classes, tutorial or seminar classes, reading, writing of critical essays, examination preparation, field trips, textual analysis in groups, individual consultation with teaching staff, oral presentations, peer discussion, and in some courses opportunities for development of reflective practice. Material and peer contact are also available through Moodle, the University's virtual learning environment. Language courses are taught with the aid of the most innovative methods and with biblical texts in the original languages. Classes are led by member of staff who both teach and facilitate; at higher levels the students are encouraged to adopt a more self-directed approach and classes can focus not just on students learning needs but also on students interests. In lectures and seminars there is an emphasis on group discussion and the development of critical judgement. Honours level classes typically involve some lecturing and some oral presentations followed by discussion, where students are encouraged to develop research and scholarship skills. Opportunities to develop research and scholarship skills are also provided through the dissertation supervision process. Moreover, the research seminars are open to undergraduates. 13. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Statements and Other External or Internal Reference Points: QAA Subject Benchmark Theology and Religious Studies Programme Structure and Features: The MA degree with Joint Honours in Theology and Religious Studies A full description can be found at the Departmental website: A typical joint honours curriculum in Theology & Religious Studies will be constructed as follows: Degree Structure for Theology and Religious Studies half of a Joint Honours: Level 1: 120 credits, equivalent of six courses; not all these modules need be in Theology and Religious Studies, however there should be a minimum of 40 credits in Theology and Religious Studies and maximum of 80 credits. Theology and Religious Studies courses available: Course Title Credits TRS 1W: The Search for Meaning: Judaism, Islam & Christianity 20 TRS 1X: The Search for Meaning: Understanding Asian Traditions 20 TRS 1Y: The God Question: Exploring Christianity 20 TRS 1Z: Creation to Apocalypse: Introduction to the Bible 20 ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 4 of 7

5 TRS 1: New Testament Greek 20 TRS 1: Hebrew 20 Level 2: 120 credits, equivalent of six courses, at least four of which must be at Level 2, and at least 2 of which must be in Theology and Religious Studies. Theology and Religious Studies courses available: Course Title Credits TRS 2W: Islam: Gender, Ethics and Pluralism 20 TRS 2X: Mysticism And Spirituality 20 TRS 2Y: Christian Traditions And Transformations 20 TRS 2Z: Texts and Cultures of the Bible 20 Honours Junior Honours: 120 credits must be taken. 60 credits must be taken in Theology and Religious Studies. Therefore 2 courses must be taken across the year (30 credits per course) Senior Honours: 120 Credits must be taken. 60 credits must be taken in Theology and Religious Studies. These 60 credits can be obtained by either: Taking one dissertation (60 credits) in Theology & Religious Studies on an agreed topic. Or One dissertation (30 credits) in Theology & Religious Studies on an agreed topic and one course (30 credit) drawn from those honours courses offered in that session. Or Two 30-credit courses drawn from those honours courses offered in that session. (In this case, the student must do a dissertation in their other joint honours subject). Course choices for Junior and Senior Honours: The following courses are available to be taken in either Junior or Senior Honours. Course Title Credits Hebrew Text 30 Body & Belief 30 Old Testament/Tanakh Texts 30 New Testament Theology 30 Image, Word and Worship 30 Sufism 30 Doctrine of God 30 The Bible and Literary Study 30 ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 5 of 7

6 Women, Church & Change 30 Christianity & Bioethics 30 Reformation Studies 30 The Historical Jesus 30 Dissertation 30 Dissertation 60 Progression requirements for honours entry in Theology and Religious Studies are as follows, at least 80 credits (or 4 courses) must be taken in Theology and Religious Studies in levels 1 and 2, normally 2 courses (40 credits) at level 1 and 2 courses (40 credits) at level 2. Students must achieve at least a grade D or above in these courses, and normally with one of the level 2 courses being at grade B. Course availability at Honours varies depending upon the availability of staff. More extensive details for each year are provided in the Honours Handbook. Further information The curriculum described here provides a general overview of the programme, but it is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Full degree regulations including the Code of Assessment are found in the Glasgow University Calendar: The full list of qualifying courses for the MA degree can be found in the University of Glasgow Undergraduate Course Catalogue: Additional Relevant Information: A feature of study in Glasgow is the opportunity for religious encounter. Every student has the opportunity to take part in visits to places of worship (e.g., synagogue, mosque, temple, church) to meet faith communities face-to-face and see how religious belief is put into practice. In addition, students can visit Glasgow s unique Museum of Religious Life and Art, and members of local faith communities are regular guest speakers in classes. These encounters allow students to move beyond book-learning and experience the lived expression of religion in Scotland today. The diversity of religious life is made apparent and inter-faith and ecumenical issues can be explored. Theology and Religious Studies is a vibrant research community with many additional public lectures and research seminars taking place throughout the year (such as the Gifford lectures, Hastie lectures and the Alexander Robertson Lectureships), often by prestigious international scholars. Many of these are arranged through the subject s own research centres: Students are encouraged to attend these events, many of which relate directly to the content of taught courses. Theology and Religious Studies host research seminars, conferences and other events in the following areas: Biblical Studies Christian Ministry Literature, Theology and the Arts Inter-faith Studies the Study of Islam Theology For more information see: Glasgow University library is a world-class research resource and students are able to make full use of its facilities. All students are given training in the use of library and information resources for the study of ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 6 of 7

7 Theology and Religious Studies, and there is a mandatory dissertation research methods course offered at level 3. Students enjoy the benefit of a recently refurbished Student centre including common room, I.T. Lab and reference library. Students have representation through the Divinity Students Council, which also organises various social activities. Study abroad A student may study for one year of their degree at an overseas university as part of a student exchange programme subject to Senate approval. For more information: Support for students is provided by the Postgraduate/Undergraduate Adviser(s) of Studies supported by University resources such as the Effective Learning Adviser located in the Student Learning Service ( the University Heath Service ( the Student Counselling and Advisory Service ( the Student Disability Service ( and the Careers Service ( 16. Academic Session: Additional Administrative Information to be completed: 17. Fee Type: Standard 18. Attendance Type: Both Full Time and Part Time Date of production/revision: 20/07/2010 ProgrammeSpecification2010-V1 Page 7 of 7