Asian religions: [theme]

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of selected topics related to Asian religious traditions. This can be topics related to Hinduism and Buddhism in Indian history and in the present, Indian philosophy, yoga, plurality of religions in South Asia, sacred geography, and the worldwide presence of Asian religions in Asian diasporas.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

  • has knowledge of teachings and practices of selected Asian religious traditions in history and in the contemporary world, their historical and cultural contexts and the plurality of traditions, interpretations and influences.
  • has knowledge of key topics and scholarly approaches in the study of Asian religions in history and in the contemporary world.

Skills:

  • is able to analyze religious texts and practices within their historical and cultural frameworks.
  • is able to critically evaluate theories and methods in the study of Asian religions.
  • is able to present their knowledge in written form within a short time frame.

General Competence:

  • has experience in managing large amounts of information and literature within a short time frame, and in interpreting and presenting information effectively.

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn and/or Spring (not fixed)

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Recommended Previous Knowledge
None
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
The course is open to all students with study rights at the University of Bergen
Teaching and learning methods
Normally 10-15 lectures or seminars.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
None
Forms of Assessment

The course uses the following form of assessment: Written school examination (up to 3000 words) over 6 hours.

The word count above indicates the expected length of a good answer. You will not automatically loose marks if you write shorter or longer than indicated (+/- 10 percent), but it is less likely that the answer will be considered sufficiently comprehensive or precise to achieve a good grade.

Grading Scale
Letter grades from A to F, where F is fail.
Assessment Semester
Autumn and/or Spring. Assessment is offered during the teaching semester and the following semester.
Reading List
Approximately 1,200 pages. The reading list will be available on uib.no by June 1 for the autumn semester and December 1 for the spring semester. The reading list will vary depending on the theme taught.
Course Evaluation
Evaluations are conducted in accordance with UiB’s quality assurance system.
Examination Support Material
None
Programme Committee
Programme Board for the Study of Religion
Course Coordinator
Programme Board for the Study of Religion
Course Administrator
Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion