Students
FOAR704 – Religion, Secularism and Society
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Gabriele Marranci
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| 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.
|
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.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Faculty Policy
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will be applied - two (2) marks out of 100 will be deduced per day for assignments after the due date and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submission will be accepted for timed assessments-- eg. quizzes, online tests
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Question (In class) | 30% | No | week 7 |
| Research Essay | 40% | No | week 10 |
| Open Questions (in Class) | 30% | Yes | Week 13 |
Open Question (In class)
Due: week 7
Weighting: 30%
Students are required to answer 2 questions and submit their answer to Turnitin (instructions will be provided on iLearn). A Rubric for this activity will be provided. The questions will be related to the material of the first part of the course
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
- Explore the concept of the secular, secularism and secularization and how different societies, communities and movements relate to it.
Research Essay
Due: week 10
Weighting: 40%
Students will be provided with 4 titles in week 3 and they are expected to write an essay which uses some of the theories and critical analysis we have discussed during the course as well as personal literature research. The submission of the essay is through Turnitin. A rubric will be provided on iLearn. Students are required to work on the synopsis of the essay with their lecturer during the course.
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.
Open Questions (in Class)
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students are required to answer 2 Open Questions about the material of the course. The assessment is an open Book examination and a Hurdle Assesment (Students should make sure that they attend the exam). Students are required to bring their Laptop or Ipad in the class since they will answer the questions on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 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.
Delivery and Resources
Week 1 Introduction to the course
Week 2 Secularism, Secularization, Secularity, and the Secular - part 1
We will discuss the following readings
Charles Taylor. (2010). “The Meaning of Secularism,” The Hedhog Review. Fall 2010.
Week 3 Secularism, Secularization, Secularity, and the Secular - part 2
Week 4 Are we Living in a Secular Age?
Charles Taylor. (2007). “Introduction” to A Secular Age. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, pp. 1- 22.
Week 5 The Secularization Thesis
Secularization -Steve Bruce in The New Blackwell Companion to the Sociology of Religion
Week 6 The Anthropology of Secularism?
Fenella Cannell. (2010). “The Anthropology of Secularism.” Annual Review of Anthropology, 39:85–100.
Talal Asad. (2003). “What Might an Anthropology of Secularism Look Like?” in Formations of the Secular: Christianity, Islam, and Modernity. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Week 7 Rethinking the Secular
Talal Asad. (2003). “Introduction” to Formations of the Secular: Christianity, Islam, Modernity. Stanford: Stanford University Press
Week 8 Secularism, the Nation-state and Nationalism
-
Talal Asad. (2003) “Secularism, Nation-State, Religion” in Formations of the Secular: Christianity, Islam, Modernity. Stanford: Stanford University Press, pp. 181-201.
Week 9 Islam and the Challenge of Secularization
Week 10 Guest Seminar on Secularism and Turkey (TBA)
TBA
week 11 Secularism and Judaism
Week 12 Revision and Discussion
Week 13: In Class Exam
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Open Questions (in Class)
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
- Open Question (In class)
- Research Essay
- Open Questions (in Class)
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
- Open Questions (in Class)
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
- Open Questions (in Class)
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
- Open Questions (in Class)
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
- Open Question (In class)
- Research Essay
- Open Questions (in Class)