Religion 2012

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ReligionEntry 2012

Religion and theologyat Hull | 1

Full-time BA degrees | 6

Module outlines | 8

Part-time courses | 9

Admissions andpostgraduate study | 10

Careers | 12

Three-year programmesDegree UCAS code Typpical offer

Religion and Film Studies VP63 BA/TF 280–300 points

Religion and Politics VL62 BA/RP 280–300 points

Religion and Sociology LV36 BA/ST 260–300 points

Creative Writing and Religion WV86 BA/CWT 280–300 points

Education, Philosophy and Religion XV35 BA/EPR 280–300 points

English and Religion QV3P BA/ER 280–300 points

History and Religion VV1P BA/HR 280–300 points

Philosophy and Religion VV56 BA/PhT 280–300 points

Four-year programmesDegree UCAS code Standard offer

French and Religion RV16 BA/FTR 280–300 points†

German and Religion RV26 BA/GTR 280–300 points†

Hispanic Studies and Religion RV46 BA/HSTR 280–300 points†

Italian and Religion RV36 BA/IRT 280–300 points†

† with one A level in any language

NB: You are not required to take Religious Studies A/AS level; however, if you dotake it, a minimum of B or C is normally required, depending on the degree inquestion.

We also encourage applications from students with qualifications other than A/ASlevel.

Religion staffPaul Dearey, BA (Trinity College, Dublin), MA (Pittsburgh) teaches systematictheology and Christian ethics.

D R M Mariau, L ès L, M en Phil (Paris), PhD (Aix-en-Prov) teaches Indian religionsand philosophy of religion. Research: yoga; Indian theories of meaning.

Fr Jim O’Brien, MA, BD, HDipEd is the University’s Roman Catholic Chaplain andlectures in New Testament.

A D Ornella, PhD (Graz) teaches religion and media studies.

Admissions contactKay NockAdmissions CoordinatorFaculty of Arts and Social

SciencesUniversity of HullHull, HU6 7RX

01482 [email protected]/fass

Dates of semestersSemester 124 Sep – 14 Dec 2012

Semester 228 Jan – 1o May 2013

Key facts

Religionwww.hull.ac.uk 1

This pamphlet is designed to introduce you to the study of religion at Hull andto the various courses we offer. Whether your interest lies in religion as a firstdegree, or in graduate courses or research, or in part-time study, we hope thatyour initial questions will be answered here. Whatever your reasons forconsidering Hull as a place to do religion, you will find that it offers a numberof distinct advantages:

Excellent teachingIn the National Student Survey 2010, some 94% of students taking philosophy,theology and religious studies at Hull praised our staff’s ability to explain things,and 85% of them reported that they found their course intellectually stimulating.

ChoiceOur undergraduate courses provide for a choice of subjects, reflecting the range ofdisciplines and skills which the study of religion involves. This breadth isunderpinned by the teaching staff’s research, which has been officially recognisedas being of national and international significance.

Individual attentionDespite the range of subjects we offer, we remain a small department committed tosmall-group teaching and to ensuring individual attention.

The departmentTheology has been taught at Hull since the early 1950s, and the department canboast such distinguished former members as R N Whybray (Old Testament), A THanson (New Testament and the early Church) and James Atkinson (Reformation).An original focus on the Judaeo-Christian tradition has been broadened over theyears, so that there is now expertise in Buddhism and Hinduism, and religion,media and communications.

The range of topicsThe first year provides a grounding in a number of religious traditions, includingChristianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. In the second and third years you will learna range of methodologies that enable in-depth study of different aspects ofreligions.

Religion and theologyat Hull

Today, Hull is host toa variety of faiths,reflecting Britain’swider multiculturalsociety.

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AccessWe are committed to wider access. Thirty percent of our students are returning tostudy after a number of years away, some to take up an interest that they may longhave wanted to pursue, others to improve their career prospects. They are fullyintegrated, taking the same classes as our younger students. The result is aninvigorating mix of ages, experience and interests which adds to the liveliness ofdebate and to the vitality of the department. Mature students are valued membersof our academic community. They flourish here, and have been among our highestachievers. (For details of part-time courses, see pages 9 and 10.)

Teaching methodsAs a relatively small department (there are currently about 75 undergraduates), wecan ensure that most of our teaching is done in small groups, and that lecturers cangive you individual guidance whenever needed. A combination of lectures andtutorials is used for most modules, while others are based on seminars. A typicalweekly timetable includes attendance at six lectures and two tutorials or seminars.

Many modules make use of the University’s online learning tool, eBridge, whichencourages active and collaborative learning. Students can access informationabout their courses, blog about assessments, or get advice about particular topicsfrom teachers or fellow students.

In your final undergraduate year, you will have the opportunity to write adissertation on a topic of your choice. This will allow you to apply and develop theskills of research and argumentation acquired throughout your degree.

The final degree classification is based only on the modules taken in the second andthird years. Each module has its own method of assessment: some are examined inthe traditional manner by an unseen paper, some use coursework exclusively, andothers involve a combination of the two. Our students appreciate the flexibility andchoice that this system gives.

SupportHull is known as a friendly university, and the size of our department means thatyou will not be treated as just another anonymous unit: a ‘family atmosphere’prevails. Lecturers are always happy to give individual advice if needed; in addition,each student is assigned a personal supervisor to help guide them through theirstudies. Regular informal social events are arranged within the department, andstudents run their own Theology Society, which arranges parties, dinners, outings,second-hand book sales and sporting fixtures. The departmental Staff–StudentCommittee, which has a student Chair, meets three times a year. Here studentrepresentatives can raise questions and concerns about their courses and help formdepartmental policy. And through meetings of the Hull and District TheologicalSociety, you will have the opportunity to hear distinguished visiting scholarslecturing on a wide range of issues. We aim to provide a challenging but supportivelearning environment.


The libraryThe religion collection of the Brynmor Jones Library is remarkably well stocked,with particular strengths in Buddhism and Hinduism as well as biblical subjectsand early Church history. It ranges from books dating back to the infancy of printingto the latest numbers of international journals, from medieval ecclesiastical recordsto the archives of the 20th-century Christian Socialists.

The library itself is an airy, modern building, commanding impressive views overthe city, the countryside and the River Humber. Many students prefer to write andread here, away from the bustle of their lodgings.

Free-access networked PC workstations are scattered liberally throughout bothcampuses, providing access to many sites of academic interest on the web.

The city of HullThere is much in the city itself to spark the theological imagination. One cannotwalk far through its streets without encountering evidence of the vital role thatreligion has played here. Holy Trinity, the largest parish church in England, and theimposing Minster in nearby Beverley testify to the vitality of medieval Christianity.As a radical Protestant city, Hull closed its gates on King Charles I and precipitatedthe Civil War. On evangelical Christian principles, its Member of Parliament WilliamWilberforce successfully campaigned against the slave trade. Today the city is hostto a variety of faiths, reflecting Britain’s wider multicultural society.

Lecturers are alwayshappy to giveindividual advice ifneeded, and eachstudent is assigned apersonal supervisorto help guide themthrough their studies.

© Innes.

Goldstandard

In the 2010 National Student Survey,94% of students on philosophy,

theology and religious studies degreesat Hull commended our staff’s ability

to explain things, while 87%expressed satisfaction with thelearning resources available on

campus.

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BA Single Honours• Education, Philosophy and Religion XV35

(see page 7)

BA Joint Honours• Creative Writing WV86• English QV3P• Film Studies VP63• French RV16• German RV26• Hispanic Studies RV46• History VV1P• Italian RV36• Philosophy VV56• Politics VL62• Sociology LV36

You have a choice of certain core modules plus a widerange of options.

A sample of our theology/religion modules• Introduction to the New Testament• The Christian Tradition• The Buddhist Tradition• The Hindu Tradition• Faith in Media• Topics in the Philosophy of Religion• Classical Yoga• Indian Philosophy• Buddhist Ethics• Natural Theology• Viewing the Divine• Sacred Spaces: Sacred Media• Avatars, Cyborgs and Ordinary Human Bodies• The Gospel According to St Mark• History of Christian Ethics• Contemporary Ethical Problems• The Social Doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church• The Doctrine of the Trinity• We R Who We R• Creation and Evolution• The Church as Communion• Symbol and Sacrament• Hindu Tantra• History and Thought of the Early Church• Philosophical Theology• Interpreting Religious Practice• The Labyrinth of Existence: Metaphysical Fiction• Religious Sectarianism in History and the Modern

World• Dissertation

Full-time BA degrees


BA Education, Philosophy and Religion

The degree course is designed to allow you to acquire knowledge of bothethical theories and major world religions, and of the educational principlesinvolved in these subjects.

You will learn the various ways in which curricula are developed to meet the needsof students of religion and ethics. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach tounderstanding the interplay of ethics, religion and education. You will acquire arange of marketable skills such as independent learning, critical thinking, researchability, and tolerance of different religious beliefs and philosophies of life, as well asevaluative and argumentative skills.

In the first year you will learn how developmental factors, as well as social andcultural factors, affect learning. You will examine formative cultural influences onphilosophical thought, and investigate the formation of central moral concepts. Youwill also learn about the study of religion as an academic discipline, its scope,methods and content.

In the second year you will gain a thorough understanding of the central questionsin moral philosophy and the main response to them. You will gain knowledge of theethical guidelines that are important in educational practice. And you will have theopportunity to study the ethics of at least one major religious tradition.

In the third year you will have the opportunity to reflect on and evaluate your ownlearning as you prepare for a work placement and for employment or further study.The work placement gives you experience of an educational setting and introducesyou to the skills required for different types of learning. You will continue to studymoral and religious questions at an advanced level.

The course takes aninterdisciplinaryapproach tounderstanding theinterplay of ethics,religion andeducation.

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First-year core modulesThe Buddhist Tradition explores the fundamentaltenets of Buddha Dhamma and the unfolding of thetradition in South and South-East Asia, China, Tibet,Korea and Japan.

Introduction to the New Testament surveys the historyand theology of the writings which entered the canon ofthe ‘New Testament’, considered in their social, culturaland historical setting.

First-year optionsThe Hindu Tradition examines Hinduism’s world-view,ethos and social structure from scriptural andanthropological perspectives.

Faith in Media introduces you to the main theoreticalmethods that correlate religion and media.

Some second- and third-year modulesTopics in the Philosophy of Religion critically examinessome central aspects of belief and practice.

Viewing the Divine examines how media and imagesare used to construct religious boundaries.

We R Who We R examines the use of media in individualboundary construction and the subversion of religiousboundaries.

Sacred Spaces: Sacred Media raises general questionsabout media use from particular religious viewpoints. Itquestions the nature of authority, authenticrepresentation and valid interpretation.

Avatars, Cyborgs and Ordinary Human Bodiesexamines how the human body exists in relation toimages and media. The module allows you to appreciatehow the human body is usually represented in order tocommunicate religious meanings.

Contemporary Ethical Problems studies ethical issueswhich are important in the theological understanding ofhuman existence and which reflect the influence ofscience, technology, communications and education inthe modern world.

The Church as Communion examines a leadingecclesiology in contemporary Catholic, Orthodox andProtestant theologies. Different versions of thisecclesiology are explored and their relative meritsassessed in terms of what they imply concerning theeucharist, episcopacy and ecumenism.

The Doctrine of Creation is often perceived ascontradicting scientific knowledge about the origins ofthe universe and about human nature. This modulelooks at the intellectual influences behind thisperception and develops the case that the doctrine canbe meaningfully examined as true.

The Doctrine of the Trinity examines the centralChristian doctrine of the triune God, linking it to ourunderstanding of the personal character of humanexistence.

Indian Philosophy explores the structure andproblematics of classical Indian thought.

Buddhist Ethics examines the principles, majorconcerns and contemporary challenges of Buddhistethics.

Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust provides an overviewof anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism from antiquity to thepresent, with a focus on the Holocaust and its aftermath.

Module outlines


Certificate in ReligionThis course is for those with no formal background in theology.

Your first yearThree modules from

• The Buddhist Tradition• The Hindu Tradition• The Christian Tradition• Faith in Media• Introduction to the New Testament

Your second yearThe three modules remaining from the above list.

Diploma in ReligionThis course is for those with the Certificate or an equivalent qualification.

Your first and second yearsChoose three modules in each year from those listed on page 6.

Bachelor of Theology degreeThis course is for those with the Diploma or an equivalent qualification.

Your first and second yearsChoose three modules in each year from from those listed on page 6.

Each of these stagesexists as aqualification in itsown right, but thecertificate and thediploma alsofunction asqualifications forentry to the nextstage.

Part-time courses

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BA Single and Joint HonoursOnce you apply you will be invited to visit thedepartment for an open day in January or March, so thatyou can see the University before committing yourself. Ifyou are a Joint Honours applicant, the other departmentmay also invite you to its open day, in which case youcan choose to attend the one more convenient to you. Ifyou are not able to attend one of the scheduled days, youare welcome to make a private appointment (contact thesecretary on 01482 465995). We may interview someapplicants.

The entry requirements will vary depending on thedegree for which you are applying. Our typical offers aregiven on the inner front cover, but we encourageapplications from those with qualifications other thanA/AS levels (both from the UK and from overseas), frommature applicants and from those intending to deferentry for a year.

Certificate/Diploma in Religion and Bachelor ofTheologyWe already have a significant proportion of maturestudents on our BA courses. For those mature studentswho live in and around East Yorkshire and NorthLincolnshire, there is an opportunity to study part-timeas well. Three options are possible, depending on yourindividual background and previous academicexperience.

The Certificate is specially designed for those who haveno formal qualifications in theology. The Diploma inReligion and Bachelor of Theology presuppose theequivalent of one year’s and two years’ full-time study atuniversity level respectively. All applicants for our part-time courses are interviewed to determine theircommitment to, interest in and aptitude for study atuniversity level.

In all three courses you will take normal undergraduatemodules, though we try to arrange things so that moststudents need to be free only two half-days per week forthe lectures and tutorials. (Naturally, you need to allowextra time for study both at home and in the library.)

Postgraduate studyWe offer two Masters degrees for those who alreadypossess a good Honours degree in religion or theology:the general MA (which can be adapted to the particularinterests and needs of the student) and the research MA(with a greater emphasis on the acquisition of researchskills and on research itself). Both may be taken full-timefor one year or part-time for two. For those without areligion or theology degree, entry to the general MA ispossible by registering for the Postgraduate Diploma inthe first instance.

We also offer research degrees (the MPhil and PhD) in allthe major areas of religion and theology. Applicants areexpected to possess at least a good second class Honoursdegree in religion or theology, and to propose a projectcapable of being supervised by a member of staff. Theresearch degrees may be taken full-time or part-time.

Enquiries and applicationsApplications for the BA Single and Joint Honours degreesmust be made through UCAS, even by overseasapplicants. Please find further details at www.ucas.com.

If you have any queries about the full-time or part-timecourses, including postgraduate opportunities, pleasecontact

Paul DeareyReligion and TheologyUniversity of HullHull, HU6 7RX01482 [email protected]

Admissions andpostgraduate study


‘Choosing Hull was easy for me: when I first came onan open day, I knew I’d really enjoy my time here. Andthat’s how it has worked out. The staff are friendly andhelpful; and, because the department isn’t massive, Ireally feel like my lecturers know me and want me toachieve.

‘Because of my experience of theology at Hull, I’vedecided to train to be an RE teacher. The wide range oftopics offered here – from the Christian tradition toIndian philosophy – meant that, when it came to myteacher-training interview, I stood out from otherapplicants on account of my broader subjectknowledge.

‘Academic studies aside, I have fully immersed myselfin student life! Thanks to our really strong students’union, I’ve been involved in lots of activities, includingplaying netball for the University, volunteering withdisadvantaged children and enjoying the odd boogie inthe Asylum nightclub.

‘Overall I have loved my time here and wouldrecommend Hull to everybody!’

Abby LesterBA History and Theology/Religion

Like any arts subject,religion developsyour capacity forindependent thought,analysis, problemsolving, andresponsiveness tonew situations.

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Students of religion can expect to enjoy a higher rate of employment (and alower rate of unemployment six months after graduation) than the averagegraduate. This is certainly true of Hull graduates in religion, who in recentyears have gone into careers as diverse as accountancy, computing, law,librarianship, journalism, the Christian ministry, the armed forces, personnelmanagement, the probation service, publishing, the police force andteaching.

This is not surprising. Like any arts subject, religion develops your capacity forindependent thought, analysis, problem solving, and responsiveness to newsituations. Many employers are looking for these qualities rather than forspecialised knowledge: they’ll teach you the relevant skills, but they need peoplewith the right sort of intellectual equipment in the first place. Religion is certainly asubject which can develop that.

If you come to Hull as a student, our Careers Service will be very willing to help youat any stage of your course. They will be happy to discuss the careers best suited toyou personally and will also be able to put you in touch with possible employers orprovide information on relevant courses.

Careers

Studying for a degree at the University of Hull is a unique experience. We aimto provide you with an education that offers both depth and breadth ofknowledge. To meet these ends the University has developed an optional FreeElective Scheme. This scheme enables the majority of undergraduate studentsto take one module a year from outside their main course of study.

So, how does it work?Each year you take 120 credits’ worth of modules.

What sort of subjects can I take?You can take almost any free elective module from outside your main course ofstudy, usually at your home campus. You can even take a module from anotherfaculty. The catalogue of free electives might include

Year 1• Cities and Civilisations: Art and Archaeology in Context• Managing your Learning• Anarchism and Contemporary Global Protest

Year 2• Art and the City: Rome, Amsterdam, London, Paris and New York, 1600–2000• European Women’s History: Medieval to Modern

Year 3• Psychology of Performance• Passport modules in foreign languages

What are the main reasons for participating?• The scheme gives you the opportunity to study a subject without having to

commit yourself to taking further modules in that subject area.• By taking a free elective you are able to follow up your interests as part of your

degree.• With a broader education you may acquire extra skills that will help you when

you enter the employment market.

Admissions policyAdmissions information provided

in this pamphlet is intended as a

general guide and cannot cover all

possibilities. Entry requirements

are generally stated in terms of A

level grades and/or UCAS points,

but we encourage applications

from people with a wide range of

other qualifications and/or

experience. Some further details of

the various entry routes are

included in our general prospectus.

Please contact the Admissions

Service (see below) with any

specific queries about admissions.

DisclaimerThis publication is intended

principally as a guide for

prospective students. The matters

covered by it – academic and

otherwise – are subject to change

from time to time, both before and

after students are admitted, and

the information contained in it

does not form part of any contract.

While every reasonable precaution

was taken in the production of this

brochure, the University does not

accept liability for any

inaccuracies.

AddressFor general enquiries, please

write to

Admissions Service

University of Hull

Hull, HU6 7RX

T 01482 466100

F 01482 442290

E [email protected]

Free Elective Scheme

SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2

20 credits 20 credits

20 credits 20 credits

20 credits

20 credits

Here you take modules from yourmain course of study.

Here you have the option to take afree elective or another module fromyour main course of study.

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w.hull.ac.uk

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is but little in comparison withwhat he does not know.’

Hadrat Ali

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Religion 2012