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 'new age' or 'holistic' 'spirituality'. 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 'new age', as well the theoretical cogency of defining 'new age' as a form of 'religion'. We examine the role of authority and tradition in the development of a culture of 'seekership', spread via networks, small groups and model biographies. Using qualitative and quantitative data, we study the socio-demographic base of 'new 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 'new age spirituality'. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | This is a graduate-level course. Please confirm subject prerequisites with the Course Manager. |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
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 'religion';
- account for the socio-demographic base of 'new age spirituality';
- theorise new age comparatively: against other religious/cultural formations;
- develop skills in multi-causal analysis: historical, social, cultural, cognitive. |
Assessment Information
1500 word field report (25%)
3000-3500 word essay (75%) |
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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