Themes in the Study of Asian Religions - RSST5002

Overview

This module explores the cultural specificity and diversity of Asian religious cultures and traditions from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The topic of Asian religions will be approached on a thematic basis but with particular emphasis on an understanding of the historical and interpretive challenges to inter-cultural understanding between Asia and Europe/ the West.

Details

Contact hours

Total Contact Hours: 40
Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300

Method of assessment

Main assessment methods:
Essay 1 (2,000 words) – 35%
Essay 2 (3,000 words) – 45%
Presentation (10 minutes) – 20%

Reassessment methods:
Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework

Indicative reading

The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html

Learning outcomes

The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a sophisticated appreciation of the richness and diversity present within specific Asian religious traditions;
2. Describe and critically analyse a key concept, idea, theme or practice as applied to a specific Asian religious tradition, and its relevance in premodern and contemporary Asia also in relation to cultural traditions for instance, science, medicine, politics, art, literature etc.;
3. Demonstrate a refined appreciation of the problems of translating Asian cultures, traditions, religious practices and concepts into a western interpretive framework and language, for instance the problems of using terms like 'religion' and 'philosophy'' in relation to Asian contexts.

The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate confident and effective communication skills by presenting organised information in a clear and coherent fashion;
2. Demonstrate their ability to recognise the limits of their own understanding and undertake further training to develop those skills in order to acquire new competences;
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills in examining the contours and points of view of a scholarly debate.