BA (Hons) Religion, Philosophy and Ethics with Foundation Year 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. Learning about 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. Building on study skills and responding to contemporary issues encountered in the media. Addressing the challenges of grappling with sensitive and complex events and beliefs, and using appropriate academic resources to do so.

Engaging with important debates in the philosophy of religion, from the classic to the contemporary. Considering religion as an ever present aspect of human society, challenging established ideas and developing skills in constructing rational arguments. Focus on the western philosophical tradition and its relationship with the Abrahamic faiths, with 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. Investigating the story of Christianity, and coming to understand the changing global nature of Christianity today. This includes discussing 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 yourself with key terms, methodologies and issues. Providing academic skills needed to succeed on the degree, including using the library database, referencing sources, writing bibliographies, communicating ideas and structuring essays.

Exploring ethics in both religious and secular traditions, applying them to various contexts, such as famine and affluence. Considering 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, and what, if anything, rich nations owe poorer nations. Reflecting on assumptions surrounding these issues, and exploring the relationship between ethical thought and religious belief.

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.

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

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

Exploring a range of debates concerning a central themes in the philosophy of religion – the problem of evil. The existence of suffering, pain and atrocities has been used to question the existence of a benevolent God. Discussing some of the philosophical and theological responses to this problem. Approaching the topic through the works of various different philosophers, evaluating their different perspectives and forming own critical responses.

Expanding understanding of religion through the study of literature. Exploring 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.

Exploring the complex relationship between religion and politics. Considering the role religion plays in international relations, government policy and social identity, as well as discussing how governments can use religion to connect with citizens or to advance political agendas. Using case studies from across the world, investigating topics such as religious freedoms and human rights, democratisation, religious extremism, sectarian conflicts, fundamentalism and secularisation.

Exploring one of the most pressing issues facing humanity: its relationship with an increasingly devastated natural environment. Involving examining modern spiritual outlooks on the natural world, as well as emerging eco-theologies. Considering 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 exploring these alongside contemporary envi

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

Exploring the role myth plays in explaining and defining human experience, from ancient mythology to popular culture. Exploring 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, having the opportunity to write own myth.

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

Your opportunity to carry out independent research into a topic of your choice, within the broad field of Theology and Religious Studies. Working independently to develop a proposal, research the topic and negotiate your own direction. A tutor with specialist knowledge in the area you are focusing on will support you in this study.

Applying the knowledge and understanding built through the course so far 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 supporting exploration of individual films or scenes in detail. Investigating a theological theme or ethical concept through choice of relevant films.

Examining the role of religion in a global context through the application of theories concerning globalisation, secularisation, fundamentalism and migration. Exploring this through various media, including books, articles, news items, film, literature and online media. Considering case studies illustrating specific religions interacting with global issues, to give context to the different theoretical perspectives.