RST 111a	FORMS OF RELIGION	Elliott Shaw
This half module will introduce you to significant dimensions of religious expression, including the basic character of six major world faiths. It will also develop the ability to identify common and unique features of the traditions and enhance familiarity with the various techniques for studying religion. Additionally, the module is designed to encourage the development of skills in basic research, written presentation, use of resources, and analysis. Reading: Eliade, M     From Primitives to Zen Harris, I et al. (ed.) Contemporary Religions: A World Guide Smart, N. The World's Religions

RST 111b	HINDUISM	Ian Harris
This half module is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the major historical manifestations of Hinduism in both India and the UK. You will gain a familiarity with Hindu texts, rituals, mythologies, and festivals as well as some of the more philosophical aspects of this very ancient tradition. Particular attention will be given to the social manifestations of Hinduism Reading: Flood, G.     An Introduction to Hinduism Fuller, C. J.     The Camphor Flame Knott, K.     Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction

RST 112a	JUDAISM	Karl Möller
This module will examine Judaism from a historical and doctrinal perspective. Starting with an examination of the origin and contents of the Hebrew Bible it will also cover other Jewish sacred writings, as well as aspects of Jewish culture and ritual. The final part of the module will be concerned with anti-semitism and the impact and significance of the holocaust. Reading: Kochan, L.     The Jew in his History Maccoby, H.     Early Rabbinic Writings Neusner, J.     The Way of Torah

RST 112b	CHRISTIANITY	Phillip Blond
This half module is designed to introduce you to the richness and diversity of Christianity as an historical and contemporary living tradition. It will also familiarize you with the major themes in the Christian theological tradition, with particular reference to the Bible, as well as the contemporary manifestations, beliefs and practices of Christianity. You will gain a critical awareness of the historical links and antagonism between Christianity and Judaism. Reading: McGrath, A.     An Introduction to Christianity McKenzie, P.     The Christians Walker, W.     The Christian Church

RST 104a	ISLAM	Elliott Shaw
This module starts with a study of the life of Mohammed and Islamic origins. It also considers the spread of Islam, the nature and structure of its sacred writings, Muslim law and theology and contemporary manifestations of the tradition. Islam in the UK is also covered. Reading: Rippin, A.     Muslims Ruthven, M.     Islam: A Very Short Introduction Waines , D.     An Introduction to Islam

RST 104b	CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY	Phillip Blond
Among the theological topics covered on this module are the task of theology, the person of Christ, the notion of redemption, Trinity, creation and eschatology. A range of Christian theologians will be considered, both ancient and modern. Reading: Brown, D.     Invitation to Theology O'Collins, G.     Christology Catholic Church     Catechism of the Catholic Church

RET 105	CRITICAL THINKING IN RELIGION AND ETHICS	Susanne Gibson and Elliott Shaw
This course seeks to enhance your skills of critical inquiry underlying the disciplines of religious studies and social ethics, by making explicit the normally implicit rules for critical thinking and analysis. You will be introduced to the philosophical analysis of the logic and structure of arguments and will reflect upon the possibility of distinguishing 'good' and 'bad' arguments. You will explore some of the world views dominating religious and ethical inquiry and will be encouraged to develop an awareness of the need for critical thinking in these areas. You will be introduced to the concept of a 'community of inquiry' and will be expected to explore this concept in theory and in practice. Reading: Cupitt, D.     Taking Leave of God Habgood, J.     Making Sense Weston, A.     A Rulebook for Arguments

RET 201	THE SCOPE OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS	Phillip Blond
This module will explore the diversity of Christian moral judgment in areas such as homosexuality and the Gulf crisis. The main Christian sources for morality - the Bible, church, natural law, and conscience - will be examined in detail. Attention will be drawn to the points of central contention for Christian ethics: reason and revelation; sin and human perfectibility; church and world; and the nature of the Kingdom of God. The outworking of diverse responses to Christian sources and resources for moral judgment will be explored in the arenas of the family, environment, birth and death, poverty and wealth, and war. Reading: Gill, Robin,     A Textbook of Christian Ethics Hauerwas, Stanley,     The Peaceable Kingdom Osborn, Lawrence,     Restoring the Vision: Gospel and Modern Culture

RET 202	MUSLIM ETHICS	John Shepherd
This module will introduce the ethical ideals characteristic of Islam. It will explore the moral teachings of the Qur'an, the role of law in Islam, and debates between schools of interpretation of Islamic law. Attention will be paid to the roles of egalitarianism and human rights in Islamic theory. The later parts of the course will encourage students to debate, drawing on both Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives, the issues of Islamic economics, medical ethics, the role of women, jihad, and the Qur'anic approach to major crimes. Reading: Khadduri, M     The Islamic Conception of Justice Fakhry, M     Ethical Theories in Islam Rahman, F.     Major Themes of the Qur'an

RET 203	HINDU AND BUDDHIST ETHICS	Ian Harris
This module introduces the variety of moral, social, and political ideals advocated by Hindus and Theravada Buddhists (Mahayana Buddhism is not included). Starting from the basic doctrines and authoritative sources within each tradition, we then look at specific ethical issues, such as attitudes towards the environment or the role of women, using film, seminar discussion and case studies. You will have some degree of choice over specific issues to be covered. Reading: Flood, Gavin     An Introduction to Hinduism Harvey, Peter     An Introduction to Buddhism Holm, Jean & John Bowker     Making Moral Decisions

RST 205	CLASSICAL THEOLOGY	Phillip Blond
Classical Theology is the study of the development of Christian thinking which has formed the basis of the main denominations of modern, Western European, Christianity. It concentrates on the period between the finishing of the New Testament and the end of the Reformation. We will study the main events and beliefs expressed in the history of the classical tradition, and explore the problems addressed by the creative writers of the church's history so as to determine why the classical tradition followed its particular course. Reading: Brown, Peter,     The Rise of Western Christendom Hanson, Bradley C.     An Introduction to Christian Theology McGrath, Alister E.     Readings in Christian Theology McGrath, Alister E.     Historical Theology

RST 206	HEBREW BIBLE
This module will explore the structure and content of the Hebrew Bible (as distinct from the 'Old Testament' of Christianity), with particular emphasis on the 'Five Books of Moses'. It will introduce historical critical questions, and emphasize problems of interpretation, both ancient and contemporary, in relation to major biblical themes and images. Topics for particular consideration include the creation, Abraham and Isaac, the call of Moses and the Ten Commandments. Reading: Coggins, R.J.     Introducing the Old Testament Magonet, J.     A Rabbi's Bible Alter, R & F. Kermode     The Literary Guide to the Bible

RST 209	ISLAM: BELIEFS AND VALUES	Elliott Shaw
This module will cover the sources and traditions of Islam. The life of Muhammad and the key events in the history of Islam will be explored. The Qur'an will be introduced, along with the sayings of Muhammad, and Shari'a law. In addition, the major traditions of Islam will be explained and notable practices, such as the Five Pillars, the pattern of the Muslim year, and traditions of Muslim education. There will also be some explanation of key issues in Muslim theology. Reading: Esposito, J.     Islam: The Straight Path Hamidullah, M.     Introduction to Islam Waines, David,     An Introduction to Islam

RST 247	EXPLORING RELIGIOUS PHENOMENA	Brian Gates
Through visits and talks you will be introduced to a range of phenomena which have shaped religion in the North West of England. Using relevant approaches and research methodologies, you will investigate an individual, place or event significant in the religious life of the North West. Topics as diverse as neolithic stone circles, Celtic Christianity, martyrs and non-conformists might be studied, as well as contemporary faith communities. This is a dissertation-based module and it should not be taken in the same year as another dissertation. Reading: Burgess, J     Christians in Cumbria Jackson, R & E Nesbitt,     Hindu Children in Britain Waterhouse, J     Stone Circles in Cumbria Widdop, H.L.     The Story of Christianity in Cumbria

RST 248	PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION	Robert Hannaford
Philosophy of religion subjects aspects of religious belief to critical scrutiny, so that opinions on religion can be explored, developed, and defended through dialogue and debate. This module will explore some standard issues recurrent in religious belief, sometimes with particular reference to the Christian tradition: arguments for and against the existence of God; religious experience; religious language; the problem of evil; miracles; providence and freedom; and life after death. Reading: Davies, B.     An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion Taliaferro, C.     Contemporary Philosophy of Religion Tilghman, B.R.     An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion

RST 261	CHINESE RELIGIONS	Elliott Shaw
The module aims to provide the student with a developed knowledge of the principal religious traditions of mainland China and Taiwan; to provide information about the historical and cultural context within which these traditions emerged and developed; and to encourage an appreciation of the importance of Chinese civilisation. Reading: Ching, J.     Confucianism and Christianity: A Comparative Study Lau, D.C.     Mencius Jones, C.B     Buddhism in Taiwan: Religion and the State, 1660-1990 Watson, B     Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings

RST 262	ESSENTIALS OF BUDDHISM	Ian Harris
An introductory course on Buddhism that covers all the major historical and geographical forms of Asian Buddhism from the sixth century BC until the present period. An indispensable grounding for any student proposing to look into the Buddhist tradition in greater depth at year three level Reading: Carrithers, M.     The Buddha Keown, D.     Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction Saddhatissa, H.     The Life of the Buddha

RST 263	JESUS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT	Karl Möller
The module aims to introduce students to the methodology and rationale of modern biblical criticism; to familiarise students with the literary and theological relationships between the Gospels, and with the sources used in their compilation; and to familiarise students with the types of material contained within the Gospels and Pauline epistles, and with the critical methods by which they are interpreted. Reading: Ashton, J.     The Interpretation of John Dunn, J.D.G.     The Theology of Paul the Apostle Powell, M.A.     Fortress Introduction to the Gospels Sanders, E.P.     The Historical Figure of Jesus

RET 301	FUNDAMENTALISM	Elliott Shaw
This course seeks to introduce you to recent and contemporary religious groups which are commonly described as 'fundamentalist'. We will comparatively examine the organization, ideologies and sources of recruitment of fundamentalist groups within major religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism with the purpose of identifying possible common features. Reading: Bjorkman, J. W. (ed.)     Fundamentalism, Revivalists and Violence in South Asia Caplan, L. (ed.)     Studies in Religious Fundamentalism Hadden, J.K. & A. Shupe (eds),     Secularization and Fundamentalism Reconsidered

RET 302	FAITH, HEALTH AND CULTURE	Brian Gates
This module will explore the variety of different beliefs and values associated with health, disease, suffering and death to be found across different cultures and religions. There will be discussion of particular ways in which religion interacts with health, such as folk medicine, faith healing, alternative healing, and circumcision. It will consider the role of faith in the processes of healing and coping with suffering, and explore conceptions of placebos, prayer, magic and miracle. You will be able to examine your own private beliefs and values in relation to disease and suffering. Reading: Goodacre, D.G.     World Religions and Medicine Kunz, D. (ed.)     Spiritual Aspects of the Healing Arts Reynolds, V., & R.E.S.Tanner,     Social Ecology of Religion

RET 303	DEATH AND DYING	Brian Gates & Susanne Gibson
This module will examine the demography of death, the differentiated variables associated with it, and personal responses to the fact of mortality. There will be some study of the variety of beliefs about death in the religious traditions of the world. Specific issues to be examined include attitudes to euthanasia and suicide; experiences indicative of their being life beyond death, and rituals accompanying death and bereavement. You will explore your own understanding of the nature of death. Reading: Alvarez, A.     The Savage God Dickenson, D.     Death, Dying and Bereavement Badham, P. & R.Ballard,     Facing Death

RST 323	MISSION, CONVERSION AND DIALOGUE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF WORLD RELIGIONS	Brian Gates
This module explores attitudes to mission and dialogue between the world's religions, with particular reference to the relations between Christianity and other religions. Attention will be drawn to the different agendas held by different religions, and the extent to which people can learn from religious traditions other than their own. The responses of those engaged in inter-religious dialogue will be examined. Points of comparison and common issues will be identified. Reading: Barnes, Michael,     Religions in Conversation Sharpe, E.     Faith Meets Faith Knitter, P.     No Other Name?

RST 324	MODERN THEOLOGY	Phillip Blond
This module examines how Christian thought has responded to the challenges of modernity. An introduction to the modern period will be followed by an examination of various movements in Christian theology: liberal, existential, Roman Catholic, evangelical, neo-orthodox, historical, liberation, feminist and pluralist. Weekly readings will focus on exemplars of such movements. Assignments will require students to concentrate on how one theologian has responded to the challenges of modernity; the examination will explore themes and issues. Reading: McGrath, Alister E.,     Christian Theology: An Introduction Sölle, Dorothee,     Thinking about God Hodgson, Peter C. & R.H.King,     Christian Theology

RST 325	ISLAM IN THE MODERN WORLD	Elliott Shaw
This module will introduce the variety of ways in which Muslims have responded to the challenges of the modern world. The forms of faith associated with different countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, will illustrate the ways in which Muslims have explored these options. Key thinkers and their responses to the rise of the West will be examined, as well as a number of religious and moral issues. Reading Esposito, J.L.(ed.)     Voices of Resurgent Islam Kelly, Marjorie (ed.)     Islam: The Religious and Political Life of a World Community Voll, John O.     Islam: Continuity and Change in the Modern World

RST 326	BUDDHISM IN SOUTH ASIA [THERAVADA]	Ian Harris
This module will provide an introduction to the history and principal doctrines of the school which regards itself as the authentic protector of the Buddha's teachings. We will focus on the interpretation of a range of early texts (in English translation), the nature of the Theravada monastic order, and the historical unfolding of the tradition in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand and other areas of Southeast Asia. We shall also investigate the political manifestations of Theravada Buddhism in the contemporary world. Reading: Gombrich, Richard     Theravada Buddhism Gombrich, Richard & G. Obeyesekere,     Buddhism Transformed Rahula, Walpola,     What the Buddha Taught

RST 327	MAHAYANA BUDDHISM	Ian Harris
An introduction to the history of the school of Buddhism that came to dominate the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Mongolia. We shall look at the Indian origins of the movement, its major doctrines and the ways in which it may be distinguished from other forms of Buddhism. The module will involve the study of some key texts (in English translation), consideration of the historical development of the Mahayana and of the ways in which it has accommodated itself to a variety of rather disparate Asian cultures. Reading: Harvey, Peter     An Introduction to Buddhism Robinson, Richard H. & W. L. Johnson,     The Buddhist Religion Williams, Paul,     Mahayana Buddhism

RST 365	BIBLE IN THE MODERN WORLD	Karl Möller
This module aims to familiarise students with recent critical methods in the study of the Bible; to foster an awareness of the current diversity in aims, methodology and interpretation of the Bible; and to examine the role of the reader in giving meaning to the text. Reading: Alter, R.     The Literary Guide to the Bible Barton, J.     The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Interpretation Gillingham, S.E.     One Bible, Many Voices; Different Approaches to Biblical Studies

RST 366	BUDDHIST ART AND ARCHITECTURE	Ian Harris
An exploration of the history and cultural diversity of Buddhist attempts to convey narrative, ritual and doctrinal information through painting, sculpture and architecture. The module will take a chronological approach beginning with an investigation of the earliest Buddhist cave sanctuaries and conclude by looking at the manner in which modern Buddhist representations have been influenced by global culture. The artistic and architectural traditions of Buddhist India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Tibet will all receive some coverage. Reading: Frederic, L     Buddhism Snellgrove, D. (ed.)     The Image of the Buddha Tucci, G.     Theory and Practice of the Mandala Zwalf, W. (ed.)     Buddhist Art and Faith

RST 367	MODERN BUDDHISM	Ian Harris
This module aims to introduce students to factors that have led to change in Buddhism over the last two centuries; to trace significant shifts in Asian Buddhism over the last two centuries; to identify the major routes by which Buddhism entered the West; and to consider the most important forms of modern Western Buddhism. Reading: Batchelor, S.     The Awakening of the West Harris, I     Buddhism and Politics in Twentieth Century Asia Fields, R     How the Swans came to the Lake

RST 368	POST-SECULAR THEOLOGY	Phillip Blond
The module aims to explore the philosophical development of post-modern/post-secular Christian Theology, and to identify key features and movements in Christian response to modernity and secularity. Reading: Blond, P.     Post-Secular Philosophy Frei, Hans W.     The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative Millbank, J.     Theology and Social Theory Ward, G     The Postmodern God

RST 369	PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION	Chris Williams
The module aims to extend students' knowledge of the use of psychology in understanding religious belief, experience and practice; to critically explore aspects of the discipline of psychology through current debates in understanding religion; and to review and evaluate the evidence for the origins of key aspects of psychology being found in western and non-western traditions. Reading: Brown, L.B.     The Psychology of Religion: An Introduction Newton, H.     Current Perspectives in Psychology of Religion Wulff, D.M.     Psychology of Religion, Classic & Contemporary

RST 370	RELIGIOUS AND MORAL EDUCATION	Brian Gates
The module aims to examine the theories of religious and moral development of children and young people; to introduce students to the logic and scope of teaching Religious and Moral Education in the school curriculum; and to explore the debate surrounding the place of Collective Worship in schools. Reading: Best, R. (ed)     Education, Spirituality and the Whole Child Francis, L.J.     Religion in Education Nye, R     The Spirit of the Child Wilson, J.     A New Introduction to Moral Education

You may only take one dissertation module in any one year; the maximum allowed in the overall degree scheme is one single [Independent Study] and one double module dissertation in total. Single Dissertations may be taken in any term. You are advised to plan and prepare your dissertations in advance of the term of registration so that you may make use of the time in the vacation.

If you wish to enroll on a Dissertation module you should contact Ian Harris well in advance of the starting date. This is to ensure the following:

• the proposal is feasible and may be brought to completion in the time available.
• adequate supervision can be given.
• sufficient primary and secondary sources are available
• you will benefit personally and educationally from the experience.
• the topic chosen does not significantly overlap with modules already taken.
• you are not over-burdened with dissertation-types of assessment.

On registration for a free-standing Dissertation, you will be assigned a supervisor who will meet you regularly throughout the module to discuss and monitor progress. A Departmental booklet, entitled Dissertation Guidelines, will be distributed at the first meeting. A form indicating the nature of the topic, dates of supervision sessions, name of student and supervisor, etc., should also be lodged with Ian Harris within two weeks of starting.