Theory and Method of the Scientific Study of Religion
| Title | Θεωρία και Μεθοδολογία για τη Μελέτη της Θρησκείας / Theory and Method of the Scientific Study of Religion |
| Code | Υ404 |
| Faculty | Theology |
| School | Theology |
| Cycle / Level | 1st / Undergraduate |
| Teaching Period | Spring |
| Coordinator | Eleni Tsatsou |
| Common | No |
| Status | Active |
| Course ID | 600015993 |
Programme of Study: PPS Tm. THeologías - Eisagōgikī Kateýthynsī Mousoulmanikṓn Spoudṓn (EKMS 2019 - sīmera)
Registered students: 23
| Orientation | Attendance Type | Semester | Year | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KORMOS | Compulsory Course | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Academic Year | 2025 – 2026 |
| Class Period | Spring |
| Instructors from Other Categories |
|
| Weekly Hours | 3 |
| Total Hours | 39 |
| Class ID | 600286562
|
Course Type 2016-2020
- Background
Course Type 2011-2015
General Foundation
Mode of Delivery
- Face to face
Digital Course Content
- e-Study Guide https://qa.auth.gr/en/class/1/600286562
- eLearning:
Erasmus
The course is also offered to exchange programme students.
Language of Instruction
- Greek (Instruction, Examination)
- English (Instruction, Examination)
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
-Recognize the object of study of religion as an interesting aspect of a complex social
-Recognize and understand those human behaviors that are deemed religions
-Critically approach the religions of both the ancient and modern world
-Assess how and why an institution, a social movement, or a group end up being considered a religion
-Structurally integrate the category "religion" in the broader complex system of human behavior
General Competences
- Apply knowledge in practice
- Work autonomously
- Work in teams
- Generate new research ideas
- Appreciate diversity and multiculturality
- Be critical and self-critical
- Advance free, creative and causative thinking
Course Content (Syllabus)
We are examining the issue: "What is the scientific study of religion?" An excellent response may be provided to this question by asking first "where is the study of religion practiced, by whom and to what end?" The answer(s), predicated on the relevance of individual interests, can lead to very different paths and conclusions concerning different people. Another point of interest is the “definition” and “classification” of religion(s). How may one actually define, classify, and study religion(s)? One could find answers to such questions if it remains clear that one's way of thinking and research is always directly related to the milieu in which one works. This is a sine qua non factor. Undoubtedly, the public university constitutes that very context, an institution related solely to the scientific research and way of thinking. It is only within this frame that one can approach religion(s) scientifically and draw acceptable conclusions that are free of generalizations and inaccuracies, providing in this way valid answers to the initial question of what is the scientific study of religion.
Keywords
religion, culture, methodology
Educational Material Types
- Notes
- Slide presentations
- Book
Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Use of ICT
- Use of ICT in Course Teaching
- Use of ICT in Communication with Students
Description
PowerPoint slides. Cooperation with students via email and during office hours.
Course Organization
| Activities | Workload | ECTS | Individual | Teamwork | Erasmus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 52 | 2.1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reading Assigment | 60 | 2.4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Written assigments | 12 | 0.5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exams | 2 | 0.1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Total | 126 | 5.0 |
Student Assessment
Description
Exams (written or oral) or writing of papers. the degree of participation of the students during the semester included in their final evaluation.
Student Assessment methods
- Written Exam with Multiple Choice Questions (Summative)
- Written Exam with Short Answer Questions (Summative)
- Written Exam with Extended Answer Questions (Summative)
- Written Assignment (Formative)
- Oral Exams (Summative)
Bibliography
Course Bibliography (Eudoxus)
1α. Eric Sharpe, Συγκριτική Θρησκειολογία: Ιστορική Εισαγωγή. Αθήνα: Άρτος Ζωής, 2008. (Κωδικός βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 4935).
1β. Σημειώσεις (διαθέσιμες στο eLearning)
Additional bibliography for study
1. W. Braun - R. McCutcheon (επιμ.), 2003. Εγχειρίδιο Θρησκειολογίας (μετ. Δ. Ξυγαλατάς. Επιμ. Π. Παχής), Θεσσαλονίκη: εκδόσεις Bάνιας.
2. Δ. Ξυγαλατάς, Η δύναμη της τελετουργίας. Συμβολικές πράξεις που μας ενώνουν, μας χωρίζουν και μας εμπνέουν (μετ. Μ. Καλοφωλιά), Αθήνα, 2023.
3. H. Whitehouse, Τύποι θρησκευτικότητας. Μια γνωσιακή θεωρία της μετάδοσης των θρησκευτικών αντιλήψεων (μετ. Δ. Ξυγαλατάς), Θεσ/νίκη 2006.
4. P. Borgeaud, Η ευρωπαϊκή σκέψη περί θρησκειών (μετ. Μ. Πατέρα), Αθήνα 2025.
Last Update
17-01-2025
