Methods in the Study of Religion - bachelor's course

This course prepares students to write their undergraduate thesis by giving them a practical introduction to research methods in the field. Within the course, students will first get a systematic overview of the development of religious studies as a distinct field, with a focus on the origins of its methods in progenitor disciplines. The student will then encounter different practical research methods currently used in religious studies research, ranging from archival work to interviews and observations. Upon completion of the course, students will be well prepared to develop a question and carry out research for their undergraduate thesis.  **Module 1: Overview of the field (3 hp)** This module will formally acquaint students with the historical development of religious studies as a scientific field, its constituent disciplines, and theoretical disputes.  **Module 2: Historical Methods for the Study of Religion (6 hp)** This module will introduce students to the use of archives (in various forms), literature-based research, and methods of textual analysis. It will give students knowledge and understanding of how to conduct historical and textually focussed research in a methodical and scientific fashion. Within the framework of the course, the student is given the opportunity to complete a practical example which employs historical research skills. Students will also be prompted to reflect on theoretical questions regarding the uses of history within the study of religion.  **Module 3: Social Scientific Methods for the Study of Religion (6 hp)** The module deals in an in-depth manner with different methodological perspectives within the study of religion from the perspective of social or behavioural science, as well as related ethical issues. The course gives the student a knowledge and understanding of a selection of methods relevant to religious behavioral science research in both digital and analogue environments. The course also gives the student an insight into various technical solutions in relation to the chosen method. Within the framework of the course, the student is given the opportunity to consider and try methods for empirical collection and analysis in preparation for future thesis work.