Postgraduate Course: New Age Spirituality in Contemporary Culture (REST11010)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Religious Studies |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course investigates the popular field of beliefs and practices known as $ùnew age&© or $ùholistic&© $ùspirituality&©. Methodology combines empirical study, historical contextualization and theoretical analysis. The aim of the course is to explain the history, structure and popular appeal of the phenomenon through multi-causal analysis. We begin with the problem of demarcating a highly fluid field of beliefs, practices and people, examining various definitions of $ùnew age&©, as well the theoretical cogency of defining $ùnew age&© as a form of $ùreligion&©. We examine the role of authority and tradition in the development of a culture of $ùseekership&©, spread via networks, small groups and model biographies. Using qualitative and quantitative data, we study the socio-demographic base of $ùnew age&© in the context of patterns in religious pluralization and consumption in the modern world. Finally, we assess the overall social and public significance of $ùnew age spirituality'. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | Students MUST NOT also be taking
New Age Religion 3/4 (REST10016)
|
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:-
- develop critical knowledge of a diffuse field of popular beliefs and practices;
- explain new age beliefs and practices in the light of theories of $ùreligion&©;
- account for the socio-demographic base of $ùnew age spirituality&©;
- theorise new age comparatively: against other religious/cultural formations;
- develop skills in multi-causal analysis: historical, social, cultural, cognitive. |
Assessment Information
| Students are required to write a 3,000-4,000 word essay on an agreed topic. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | NewAgeSpirit |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Steven Sutcliffe
Tel: (0131 6)50 8947
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Felicity Smail
Tel: 0131 650 7227
Email: |
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