New Age Religion 3/4 (U02656)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : DIV-3-DIV-3-NAR

A study of the diffuse field of western popular religion known as 'New Age' or 'Holistic' spirituality, through a range of empirical case studies: historical, ethnographic and textual. The course explores the sociodemographic base of New Age religion in the context of Christian congregational decline and the pluralisation of religions in western culture.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Religion 1A, Religion 1B Religion 2A or Religion 2B or consent of Course Manager

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Religious Studies, (School of Divinity, Schedule B)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2007	14:00	17:00	Martin Hall, New College	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	14:00	17:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

-to map, differentiate and describe accurately a complex empirical field of practice
-to establish the cultural and demographic base of New Age religion
-to gain proficiency in identifying, distinguishing and deconstructing a range of popular terms and categories and locating these within appropriate scholarly frameworks
-to gain critical knowledge of 'New Age' values, beliefs, practices and sites
-to practice skills in co-ordinating and applying different methodologies - historical, ethnographical, textual - to a single field of study
-to encourage critical awareness of, and to develop competence in studying, religions 'at home': i.e., in 'local' western settings, and with reflexive awareness (as appropriate)
-to evaluate the social and political salience of New Age religion