Students
FOAR704 – Religion, Secularism and Society
2016 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gabriele Marranci
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will provide both a historical and contemporary comparative look at the ways that different societies deal with religion in the public sphere, freedom of religion, and the concept of "the secular". An important aspect that the course considers is that there is no single way of being "secular" or religious within human societies but, rather, varieties of complex systems. A close study of such difference provides a unique and valuable line of sight into comparative studies of how different traditions have developed their social political structure. In recent years, in particular within western countries and new emerging economies, some of the most interesting contemporary debates have arisen out of questions about freedom of religion, its limits, and the relationship between religion and the state. Drawing on case studies and through the review and discussion of scholarship within the field of social sciences, this seminar will provide an introduction to such complex debates.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Examine different kinds of debates surrounding the concept of secularism, secularization, and the secular
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Research Essay | 50% | week 7 |
| In class quiz | 20% | week 11 |
| book review | 30% | Week 13 |
Research Essay
Due: week 7
Weighting: 50%
Students will be provided with 4 titles in week 2 and they are expected to write an essay which use some of the theories we have discussed during the course. The submission of the essay is through Turnitin. A rubric will be provided on iLearn
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Examine different kinds of debates surrounding the concept of secularism, secularization, and the secular
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
In class quiz
Due: week 11
Weighting: 20%
Students will take a closed book, 30 minutes, 20 questions in class quiz on the readings and material of the course. Instructions will be provided on iLearn
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Examine different kinds of debates surrounding the concept of secularism, secularization, and the secular
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
book review
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
Students will have to write a book review on one of the three books provided for the course. The book review should be a critical one and engage with the theories and debates discussed during the course. The submission will be though Turnitin and a rubric can be found on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Delivery and Resources
All resources, including readings and lecture recordings, will be made available through the unit's iLearn site. Please refer to iLearn for specific due dates, procedures, and other materials, including the schedule of topics and reading.
Discussion boards will be provided online, and students are encouraged to engage with the texts and assessment tasks, although all students must produce their own work
PLEASE NOTE: Students do not need to purchase texts for this unit. All materials will be available through electronic reserves.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE that this unit is new for 2016, so that constructive feedback is very welcome.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Assessment task
- book review
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Examine different kinds of debates surrounding the concept of secularism, secularization, and the secular
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- In class quiz
- book review
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- book review
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Examine different kinds of debates surrounding the concept of secularism, secularization, and the secular
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Review, analyse and critique broad and diverse theoretical literature in relation to religion, secularism and society
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- book review
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explore key texts in the context of theories specific for understanding the concept of secularism
- Examine different kinds of debates surrounding the concept of secularism, secularization, and the secular
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- book review
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Communicate a clear and coherent explanation of ideas to different audiences.
- Analyse a model text and identify broad paradigms being deployed by another theorist.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- In class quiz
- book review