Theology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies

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1 Theology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies Your community, your University

2 2 Sunday Times and Times University Guide 2014

3 The department We are committed to helping you to fulfil your potential so that you grow as a person and are equipped to contribute to the good of society. We believe our task is to work with you so that you can achieve your best personal and academic result. We will strive to ensure you understand complex ideas, make informed and intelligent judgements, and write knowledgeably and attractively about questions and topics which matter to society. The Chichester Tutorial Groups At the heart of our teaching is the tutorial group. You will meet twice each week, for one hour, with a tutor from the department throughout your first year. Your group will have no more than four to five students. You can discuss questions and issues which arise in lectures, the essays and assignments set for your modules, your reading requirements, and any problems you might encounter. These groups help you make the transition from school or college to university. It is important that by the end of your degree you are an independent, self-sufficient researcher and learner; at Chichester we teach you how to become your own best teacher. We offer two single honours degrees: BA (Hons) Theology and Religious Studies BA (Hons) Philosophy and Ethics. 3

4 What makes us different? Our small and friendly Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies department is located in an attractive and historic cathedral city. There has been Christianity in West Sussex since the 7th century and a Cathedral in Chichester from the 11th century. You will be joining a scholarly community with a long and diverse history of theological, philosophical and ethical academic study. High Quality Teaching The department consists of leading scholars who are highly qualified teachers and researchers. One distinctive feature of Chichester is the excellence of our teaching. We will explore with you a variety of philosophical, ethical and religious questions confronting the world today: Why do people suffer? What do you have to do to live a good life? To what extent do people shape their own destiny, and how much is down to fate? Does God really exist? Which religion is right and how can they live together peacefully? What do religions really teach? Your Career We help you choose the right career. We begin to discuss careers in the first year. In year two there is a core Work/ School Placement module which provides invaluable experience for future job applications. You also have your first meeting with the University s Careers and Employability Service. In year three you meet with your tutor and the Head of Department to discuss your career choices. An Active Department We are an active and lively department offering many different experiences: You can study abroad in your second year in Europe or the United States We have trips to London to hear important lectures and discussions Informal groups meet to read, watch and discuss classic books or contemporary films And we have a good departmental social life It is no wonder that our students are more than satisfied with the Chichester experience. We offer a wide-range of modules in many different topics. The choices we offer are real choices ensuring you can make the right selection for you. 4

5 What makes us different... we guarantee you a place in halls 5

6 6 The Complete University Guide 2014

7 Theology and Religious Studies (BA Hons) At the heart of our Theology and Religious Studies BA (Hons) degree is the idea of advanced religious literacy: the knowledge needed to be an expert on Christian theological, biblical and religious matters in the world today. Joint routes available: Theology and Religious Studies with English Theology and Religious Studies with History Theology and Religious Studies and International English Studies Theology and Religious Studies with International English Studies Theology and Religious Studies and English and Creative Writing We will teach you critical thinking, selfreflection, how to read important texts in detail, and respect for different viewpoints and opinions. You will have the opportunity to explore Christian theology and the Bible in-depth, examine a range of religious traditions such as Islam and Buddhism and discuss major ethical and philosophical questions. Year One In year one we will build on your knowledge to explore why it is that advanced religious literacy is so important. You will look at the ways in which religious ideas and ethical values shape all aspects of culture including film, literature, politics, TV and music. Year Two Having explored the importance of advanced religious literacy, in year two you will build up that knowledge. You can choose from a wide range of modules to develop the expertise you need in Christian theology, biblical studies, religious studies, ethics and philosophy. Year Three We will ask you to employ your new skills in your final year. You will study important issues in modern society and analyse the place of religious, philosophical and ethical ideas. In year three you learn how to demonstrate your expertise. 7

8 Course details Year One In year one, you will investigate the ways in which theological, religious and ethical ideas shape and inform all aspects of modern culture. In the core module Religion, Ethics and Contemporary Culture you will study and analyse important concepts and themes in film, television, literature and contemporary music. The range of culture that you might look at is huge, from music artists and novelists like Lady Gaga and George Orwell to television shows and films like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Torchwood. In addition modules you will study include: The Bible in Western Culture Living Theology Exploring Religious Identities Living the Good Life Year Two During your second year we offer a wide range of modules which will bolster your existing knowledge and understanding. You might choose to pursue modules in Christian theology and biblical studies, or maybe you will prefer to study modules in the areas of ethics or philosophy. Perhaps modules in the field of religious studies are more your thing. Most students mix and match, selecting modules from the wide choice available, to suit their interests and needs. Modules you might study include: Great Christian Thinkers Contextual Theology The Bible and Its Ancient Culture Contemporary Interpretation of the Bible Islam Buddhism Introduction to New Testament Greek Living Judaism Work / School Placements In addition we offer placement modules in year two to give you access to vital experience in the workplace. There are two placement modules: the Schools Placement for those interested in careers in teaching and the Work Placement for those interested in other professions. Year Three In your final year you will employ all of your newly developed skills and knowledge. A dissertation module allows you to study a topic that fascinates you in great depth while a cross-curricular module will enable you to study an issue or theme from a variety of different standpoints. You can then choose from a wide range of modules covering subjects such as The Theology and Ethics of St Paul the Apostle, Public Theology, Dialogue and Diversity, Religion and Film, Revisioning Religion: Gender and Sexuality. 8

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10 Dr Graeme Smith Reader in Public Theology Graeme is a public theologian, investigating the role of religion in social, cultural and political life. He explores the diverse ways in which religion shapes contemporary debates and discussions, especially in politics. He has written about Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, and movements such as Red Toryism. Graeme has authored a large number of articles and books. His most recent book A Short History of Secularism attracted widespread attention. 10

11 What our students say about us I would highly recommend Chichester to anyone wishing to study Theology and Religious Studies. The small department size has a personal feel and means that links with tutors are strong, and support is always available. Deborah Stacey The Theology and Religious Studies degree is enlightening and rewarding; it gives you a great insight into the questions that we all are desperate to have answered. Peter Owen The Theology and Religious Studies degree is fascinating as it brings together many different disciplines, such as: philosophy, ethics, biblical studies, world religions, doctrine and worship. The lecturers at Chichester are engaging and supportive and learning in small and friendly classes has greatly increased my confidence, particularly in group work and presentations. Rosie Vinter 11

12 Philosophy and Ethics (BA Hons) The BA (Hons) Philosophy and Ethics will help you understand and address some of the most important philosophical and ethical questions confronting contemporary society. It might be that you are concerned with questions of modern bio-ethics, what are the possible futures for a genetically modified humanity, or with questions about the existence of God and whether new atheists like Richard Dawkins have solid arguments. It might be that you want to understand how we should organise society or how better to protect the environment. Our Philosophy and Ethics BA will encourage you to explore these and many more such issues and questions. Year One* In year one you will examine the ways in which philosophical and ethical issues, topics and questions are presented in society today. You will undertake a core double module Religion, Ethics and Contemporary Culture, which examines important philosophical and ethical questions through the medium of film, TV, popular music and literature. For example you will look at ethical dilemma raised in TV programmes like House, ontological questions raised by films like The Matrix, and philosophical issues raised by authors including Iris Murdoch. In addition you will study modules in: The New Atheists Living the Good Life Religion and Violence 12

13 Year Two In year two you will develop the expertise needed to make reasonable and intelligent philosophical and ethical judgments. This is the year for building on your prior knowledge and understanding and developing your expertise. You will undertake a double module studying in depth one important philosophical or ethical thinker. This will entail analysing major books by the author and examining and exploring central ideas and issues. You can then select from a wide range of modules including: Bio-Ethics From Kant to Hegel Major Ethical Thinkers Philosophy of Religion: Its Issues and Methods A History of Ideas: From the Greeks to the Modern Period Masters of Suspicion: Marx, Nietzsche and Freud History and the Postmodern Placements We also offer placement modules so that you can gain vital experience in the workplace. There are two placement modules the schools placement for those interested in a career in teaching and the work placement for those choosing other professions. Students find the placement modules stimulating and invaluable when it comes to finding high-quality employment after university. Year Three Year three is all about employing your newly developed skills and knowledge. A dissertation module allows you to study a topic in philosophy or ethics that fascinates you in great depth A cross-curricular module enables you to study an issue or theme from a variety of different standpoints, including the philosophical and or ethical. You can then choose from a wide range of modules including, The Problem of Evil, Contemporary Continental Philosophy, Advanced Issues in Ethics, and Environmental Ethics. *Final modules subject to approval. 13

14 What makes us different... our commitment to your employability We understand the importance of ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete successfully in today s challenging jobs market. Career paths Our students have gone on to work or train in a variety of careers including: Teaching (primary and secondary) Youth work Publishing Community work Personnel management and human resources Social work Police service Church ministry Health care and nursing Journalism In addition to the work placements and sector-specific employability and enterprise modules that many of you ll have embedded in your course, we ve developed a student and graduate internship scheme. Our commitment is to make sure that students and graduates from all disciplines that register on the programme, and successfully complete the necessary preparation, have the opportunity to apply for internships. Career Destinations We pay an enormous amount of attention to your future career choices. In an ever increasing range of work contexts ethical and religious knowledge is a highly-prized asset. Ranging from HR departments which need to know about ethical and religious diversity and equality to the media which must understand religious opinions and ethical commitments to the well-known shortage of RE teachers in schools, there is a great demand for our graduates. Our aim is to match your interests and skills to the right career. One recent graduate is Rebecca Goldsmith who works in publishing. She writes: I am working at SCM Press. I am the Rights Manager and Editorial Assistant, so I am responsible for foreign rights and translations 14

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16 and any reproductions of SCM material. Plus, as editorial assistant, I manage the production of books from manuscript to book proofs. I really enjoy working in publishing - it is nice to be able to see something from start to finish. To be able to hold a book in your hand and know that you facilitated that is very rewarding and not something I think you get to experience in many career paths. One popular career choice for those with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies or Philosophy and Ethics is teaching. We help those who want to pursue this career by: Offering an extended schools placement module which can be undertaken in a local primary or secondary school Exploring the most important issues RE teachers face Providing modules designed to make sure you have the knowledge you need for the classroom Ensuring you get good advice from Chichester's PGCE tutor who is a member of our department and teaches a number of modules The degree has given me a great subject knowledge of world religions and Christian theology. It is a fantastic course that includes a great variety of subject matter and teaching styles. The staff are very supportive and smaller numbers of students in a lecture really allows for all to get the attention and help you need. Lecturers are very open and encourage a wide range of views, playing devil s advocate when necessary. As for the students, there is a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs, young and old, religious or non-religious, part-time or full-time, so this course really does cater for all." Dr Ruth Mantin is PGCE tutor for secondary RS teaching. She is also a member of the department who will teach you in years 1, 2 and 3. She is always happy to advise you on the best ways of pursuing a career in teaching including the best modules to select on the degree. Graham Cook is a recent graduate who has successfully gone pursued a career in teaching. He writes: "Since leaving the course I have gone on to train to be an RE teacher, undertaking a PGCE course. I have a job lined up at a secondary school from September. 16

17 Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey* * 92.5% of our students who graduated in 2012, after studying with us full time for their first degree, were in full-time employment or undertaking postgraduate studies. 17

18 Our staff We bring a great amount of enthusiasm, skill and expertise to our teaching. We are a diverse department, committed to the study of theology, philosophy, religions and ethics. We re enthusiastic about the relevance and importance of our subject. We are also involved in research projects, regularly speak at conferences and seminars, and share our research findings with popular audiences. Recent research topics examined include: Jesus and Scripture Secularism Pluralism and Justice Islamic Education in the UK Lady Gaga: Theology and Popular Music Red Toryism Citizen Theology Primary School Assemblies The Later New Testament Writers and Scripture Pragmatic Political Theology Paul and Scripture 18

19 Lecturers you will meet Dr Graeme Smith Reader in Public Theology and Head of Department Dr Ruth Mantin Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies Dr Stephen Roberts Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Theology Dr Tommy Lynch Senior Lecturer in Philosophy of Religion David Olliff Associate Lecturer in Contemporary Theology Margaret Guise Associate Lecturer in Theology Isra Black Associate Lecturer in Ethics Lisa Forsberg Associate Lecturer in Ethics Revd Dr Colin Lawlor Associate Lecturer in Religious Studies Heather Ballamy Theology Administrator Dr Andrew Chandler Director of the George Bell Institute Dr Steve Smith Associate Lecturer in Biblical Studies Susannah Deane Associate Lecturer in Religious Studies Dr Anthony Cane Associate Lecturer in Contemporary Theology Sarah Smith Associate Lecturer in Ethics 19

20 Find out more Contact: Dr Graeme Smith, Admissions tutor Tel: Web: Please recycle after use