Postgraduate Course: New Age Spirituality in Contemporary Culture (REST11010)
Course Outline
| School |
School of Divinity |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Religious Studies |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
This course investigates the popular field of beliefs and practices known as $ùnew age&© or $ùholistic&© $ùspirituality&©. Methodology combines empirical study, historical contextualization and theoretical analysis. The aim of the course is to explain the history, structure and popular appeal of the phenomenon through multi-causal analysis. We begin with the problem of demarcating a highly fluid field of beliefs, practices and people, examining various definitions of $ùnew age&©, as well the theoretical cogency of defining $ùnew age&© as a form of $ùreligion&©. We examine the role of authority and tradition in the development of a culture of $ùseekership&©, spread via networks, small groups and model biographies. Using qualitative and quantitative data, we study the socio-demographic base of $ùnew age&© in the context of patterns in religious pluralization and consumption in the modern world. Finally, we assess the overall social and public significance of $ùnew age spirituality'. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
Students MUST NOT also be taking
New Age Religion 3/4 (REST10016)
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
No |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| New College | Lecture | | 1-11 | | | 11:10 - 13:00 | | |
| First Class |
Week 1, Wednesday, 11:10 - 13:00, Zone: New College. Martin Hall |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:-
- develop critical knowledge of a diffuse field of popular beliefs and practices;
- explain new age beliefs and practices in the light of theories of $ùreligion&©;
- account for the socio-demographic base of $ùnew age spirituality&©;
- theorise new age comparatively: against other religious/cultural formations;
- develop skills in multi-causal analysis: historical, social, cultural, cognitive. |
Assessment Information
| Students are required to write a 3,000-4,000 word essay on an agreed topic. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
New age, holistic, spirituality, theories of religion, history, ethnography. |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Steven Sutcliffe
Tel: (0131 6)50 8947
Email: S.Sutcliffe@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Ms Felicity Smail
Tel: 0131 650 7227
Email: F.Smail@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
31 January 2011 8:18 am
|
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