BA (Hons) Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Bachelor's degree at York St John University

Introduction to the foundations of Christian theology by examining key figures, events and issues in the history of Christian thought. Focus on both the historical development and the changing contexts of Christian theology. Study of the most significant sources of Christian theology, the key doctrines and the contributions of some of the major theologians.

Many conflicts across the world have a religious dimension. Religious voices add to the political in the public sphere to debate issues from war and conflict to cultural values. Build on study skills and respond to contemporary issues encountered in the media. Address the challenges of grappling with sensitive and complex events and beliefs, and use appropriate academic resources to do so.

Engagement with important debates in the philosophy of religion, from the classic to the contemporary. Consideration of religion as an ever present aspect of human society, challenging established ideas and developing skills in constructing rational arguments. Focus primarily on the western philosophical tradition and its relationship with the Abrahamic faiths. Consideration of how philosophical and religious thought interact in other traditions.

Learning about the global spread of Christianity, considering its interaction with diverse cultural, political and social contexts across history and the modern world. Investigation of the story of Christianity, and understanding of the changing global nature of Christianity today. Discussion of the nature and impact of secularisation and areas of growth and decline for Christianity.

Introduction to the academic study of religion. Preparation for degree level study by familiarising with key terms, methodologies and issues. Provision of academic skills needed to succeed on degree, including: Using the library database, Referencing sources, Writing bibliographies, Communicating ideas, Structuring essays.

Exploration of ethics in both religious and secular traditions, applying them to various contexts, such as famine and affluence. Consideration of: What informs the ethical decisions people make, How people form their attitudes to moral dilemmas, Whether there are sources for moral reasoning other than religious ones, What, if anything, rich nations owe poorer nations. Reflection on assumptions surrounding these issues, and exploration of the relationship between ethical thought and religious bel

Focus on modern western philosophy in an important period of intellectual history. Introduction to the most influential philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century through to the end of the 19th century, and exploration of the ethical and religious issues surrounding their work. Learning about the interaction between philosophical and religious thought, and constructing own arguments in response to these ideas. Understanding the concepts behind the debates surrounding religious belief in

Opportunity to reflect on how the skills and knowledge gained on degree can benefit in the future. Use of expertise and resources available within the University to find out more about possible career options available. Exploration of philosophical, theological and ethical issues which may arise in the workplace, and investigation of theological meditations on the nature and meaning of work in the contemporary world.

Applied ethics as an essential part of philosophy. Application of developing understanding of ethical thought to an important area of contemporary life. Consideration of a range of widely debated issues in death, learning how ethical theory interacts with practical matters and everyday life. Many of the debates surrounding the topic of death employ religious arguments.

Exploration of a range of debates concerning a central theme in the philosophy of religion – the problem of evil. Consideration of how the existence of suffering, pain and atrocities has been used to question the existence of a benevolent God. Discussion of philosophical and theological responses to this problem. Approach through the works of various different philosophers, evaluating their different perspectives and forming own critical responses.

Expansion of understanding of religion through the study of literature. Exploration of texts across a variety of genres, styles and time periods, all of which engage with ideas of religion and spirituality. Introduction to important concepts in literary theory, such as intertextuality and reader-response theory. Building skills in analysis and critical reflection, considering how real experiences and debates can be expressed through fiction.

Exploration of the complex relationship between religion and politics. Consideration of the role religion plays in international relations, government policy and social identity, and discussion of how governments can use religion to connect with citizens or to advance political agendas. Use of case studies from across the world to investigate topics such as: Religious freedoms and human rights, Democratisation, Religious extremism, Sectarian conflicts, Fundamentalism, Secularisation.

Exploration of one of the most pressing issues facing humanity: its relationship with an increasingly devastated natural environment. Examination of modern spiritual outlooks on the natural world, as well as emerging eco-theologies. Consideration of how religious thinkers have responded to climate change and mass extinction, and how religious ideas can contribute to debates about sustainable living. Learning about tradition, doctrine and ancient wisdom, and exploration of these alongside contemp

Exploration of religion from a sociological perspective, engaging with debates and theories which address it. Exploration of how religious and non religious lives can be understood within wider social structures and processes. Use of concepts of structure, agency and intersectionality to examine the role of religion in society, communities and individual lives.

Exploration of the role myth plays in explaining and defining human experience, from ancient mythology to popular culture. Exploration of the religious nature of myth alongside theoretical explanations of how myth functions for individuals and communities. Through creative writing workshops and the study of established mythologies, opportunity to write own myth.

Exploration of key themes and theories relating to the Holocaust and wider genocide studies. Consideration of how different mediums such as art, literature and film have been used to articulate responses to the Holocaust. Visit to a Holocaust centre or museum as part of the module, giving in depth understanding of the effects of genocide on victims, bystanders, perpetrators and survivors.

Opportunity to carry out independent research into a topic of choice, within the broad field of Theology and Religious Studies. Work independently to develop a proposal, research the topic and negotiate own direction. Support from a tutor with specialist knowledge in the area being focused on.

Application of knowledge and understanding built through the course to a new area, using the medium of film to explore theological and ethical issues. Introduction to the language and conventions of film analysis, before support in exploring individual films or scenes in detail. Investigation of a theological theme or ethical concept through choice of relevant films as you move towards final assignment.

Examination of the role of religion in a global context through the application of theories concerning globalisation, secularisation, fundamentalism and migration. Exploration through various media, including: Books, Articles, News items, Film, Literature, Online media. Consideration of case studies illustrating specific religions interacting with global issues, to give context to the different theoretical perspectives.