MODULE DETAILS

Description

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module requires you to critically reflect on a contemporary turning away from institutional and traditional forms of religion and towards individualised spiritual beliefs and practices. Against the backdrop of secularisation, on the one hand, and rising fundamentalisms in many global religions, on the other, you will assess the growth of these new and alternative spiritualities through their relations with such phenomena as the Mind Body Spirit, mindfulness and self-help industries, New Age beliefs in a global transformation of human consciousness, the survival of esoteric, magical and occult practices, the popularity of reconstructed and revived nature religions, and newly emergent online communities and conspiracy theories.

The module aims to:

Investigate and critically analyse examples of contemporary spirituality;

• Promote debate about the nature of new spiritualities, engaging with appropriate theoretical and methodological perspectives, for example, political, sociological, psychological and economic explanations;

• Develop an informed, analytical and critical response to themes that intersect with contemporary spiritualities, for example, consumerism, nationalism, race and sexuality;

• Develop a sensitive and empathetic approach to truth and meaning in contemporary spiritualities.

2. Outline syllabus: 

This module will introduce theories of ‘self-spirituality’, ‘spiritual revolution’ and ‘believing without belonging’, contextualised with theories of religious decline (e.g. secularization) and revival (e.g. fundamentalism). It will consider a range of issues that illuminate the growth of contemporary spiritualities, such as the marketization and commodification of spirituality and the ‘subjective turn’ of western culture’. It will also consider a range of specific examples of contemporary spiritualities, such as Wicca and witchcraft, Scientology, Heathenism and conspiritualities.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Teaching and Learning is focused on lectures and student-centred workshops, complemented (where possible and appropriate) by documentaries, guest speakers and study trips (e.g. Glastonbury). Lectures introduce key case studies, debates and theories. Workshops present an opportunity to explore the issues, materials and theories introduced in the lectures in greater depth and are supplemented by readings for discussion. You will be expected to do preparatory reading to engage effectively with the workshops and will be expected to take a leading role in the debates and discussions.

Assessment Details