AIMS
To develop knowledge of a broad range of approaches to research in the field of
Religious and Theological Studies.
To develop analytical and research skills in applying those approaches.
To develop skills in evaluating the work of scholars who are carrying out research in
Religious and Theological Studies.

OBJECTIVES (INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES)
By the end of this course students will be able to:
Articulate the main features and defining qualities of a wide range of theories and
methodological approaches currently being used in Religious and Theological Studies;
Discuss the historical and intellectual contexts in which those theories and methods
originated and have developed to the present day;
Use in a critically aware manner several different types of method and theory in
Religious and Theological Studies for the interpretation and understanding of various
kinds of religious/theological texts and contexts;
Evaluate critically the relative suitability and interpretative potential of various
methodological or theoretical perspective for the analysis of a given text or context;
Identify and contextualize the ideological interests not only of religious texts and
practices but also of the metadiscursive work of scholars and students (including
themselves);
Understand and formulate critically aware contributions to serious discussions about
various types of religious and theological discourse and practice;
Demonstrate in English prose the interpretative and explanatory power of at least one
method or theory treated in the course by applying it to a chosen religious text and/or
context;
Use the methods and theories treated in the course, for purposes of illuminating
cultural practices whose relation to religion or theology is either very indirect or
non-demonstrable.