Module Catalogue 2024/25

PSY3026 : Psychology of Religion

PSY3026 : Psychology of Religion

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Patrick Rosenkranz
  • Owning School: Psychology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

Understanding of psychological terms and concepts, background knowledge in psychology.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Aims:
•To introduce students to the fields of psychology of religion as well as the new cognitive science of religion.
•To guide students in developing knowledge and insight into the various ways psychologists study religion and the associated theories.
•To encourage critical evaluation of the main research methods and findings.
•To provide an academic environment for discussion of issues and topics in the psychology of religion.

Summary:

Religion and spirituality are fundamental aspects of what it means to be human. The psychology of religion is concerned with the causes and consequences of religious and spiritual beliefs. The module will cover the variety of psychological approaches that have been taken to explain different aspects of religion and spirituality. The themes and topics of this course are presented through interactive lectures. Discussion of issues and ideas are encouraged throughout.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module begins with a general overview over the social, cultural and historical background to the psychological study of religion. We will then start our investigation by looking at the biological and evolutionary underpinnings that form the natural foundations of religious belief and behaviour. Based on this, we will explore the findings of the cognitive science of religion and study how psychologists use experimental and observational methods to investigate religious cognition and the cognitive development of religion across the lifespan. Furthermore, we will consider individual differences in religious belief and the social psychological theories that seek to explain these. Finally, we will look at religious and mystical experiences and investigate how psychologists can study these highly subjective accounts of experiencing a transcendent reality.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Evaluate and discuss psychological approaches to the study of religion.
2. Identify, categorize and critically assess definitions and measurement of religion and spirituality.
3. Discuss problems and issues regarding definition, conceptualisation and measurement.
4. Describe and evaluate research methods in the psychology and cognitive science of religion
5. Discuss current issues in the psychology and cognitive science of religion.
6. Describe and discuss evolutionary theories about religion.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Apply psychological models to the study of religion and spirituality.
2. Critically evaluate different approaches to conceptualising and measuring religion and spirituality.
3. Appraise and analyse key studies within the field.
4. Appreciate and discriminate research methods used in studies in religion.
5. Critically evaluate and discuss different psychological (i.e. evolutionary, cognitive, social, phenomenological) approaches to religion.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture112:0022:00Present in person
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion150:0050:00Portfolio component 2 (Psychological analysis)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion150:0050:00Portfolio component 1 (Reflective experiential report)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops22:004:00Present in person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery111:0011:00Synchronous online
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study163:0063:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are the framework for the topics and provide the foundation for the knowledge outcomes. Private reading and structured learning activities, as well as the weekly opportunity to discuss topics encourages deeper insight into the themes and methods of the module. Moreover, student interaction within the weekly surgeries provides the environment in which skills can be practised, developed and refined. Workshops will include formative feedback from the module leader on the assessed skills and knowledge and will support students in self-directed study and in producing their essay.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Portfolio2M100Portfolio with two components (2000 words); 1)Reflective experiential report (1000 words) 2) Psychological analysis (1000 words)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written exam assesses both the knowledge and skills developed in this course: Knowledge of the range of topics and approaches in the psychology of religion and cognitive science of religion, critical thinking in regards to the theories covered, evaluative appraisal of research methods and findings.

The essay allows for deeper understanding of one area of the course and assesses and practices appropriate literature search, understanding and usage, written communication, critical evaluation and appraisal of issues and theories. The essay also includes reflective components. Both substantive and formative feedback will be provided on the essay by the module leader.
Students can gain formative feedback on their learning of the assessed knowledge and skills throughout the course. Formative feedback is primarily given by the module leader in the workshops and weekly surgeries, but also includes formative feedback from peers in the interactive sessions.


FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.