Course coordinator
Dr Ryan Williams
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
This course will introduce students to historical and contemporary expressions of religion, spirituality, and non-religion. While organised religion in Australia is statistically in decline, this course shows that the transformation of religious life is vivid, dynamic, and exciting, with new religious, spiritual and secular ways of living and being that are contributing to the diversity of Australian multiculturalism. The course offers students hands-on experience through visiting religious, spiritual, and non-religious sites of students' own choosing, including churches, mosques, synagogues, music concerts, sports matches, nature walks, and meditation retreats. Students will gain insight into the religious and cultural diversity in Australia, while reflecting on its complex colonial legacy, through attention to peoples' lived experiences.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisites for this course but students are encouraged to read widely to gain some context for the information presented.
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Students are required to organise their own site visits to one religious site and one secular/spiritual site on or off campus. Each visit will take about 2 hours. Digital or online visits permitted alternately.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims at developing in students the abilities of independent research, analytical thinking, critical judgment, effective written and oral communication and social understanding of various religious traditions, spiritual practices and new religious movements.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
To demonstrate understanding and knowledge of specific religious, secular, and spiritual traditions in the West, and to deploy methods and theories in Religious Studies to understand differences in a multidisciplinary and global context.
LO2.
To develop new insights and approaches to understanding religion in the West through applying knowledge and theory.
LO3.
To develop openness and curiosity towards the varieties of religious, spiritual, and non-religious beliefs and practices in Australia and globally.
LO4.
To develop cultural capabilities and respect for cultural and diversity within multicultural societies, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
LO5.
To critically analyze evidence and arguments from a range of sources and perspectives and to synthesize material and ideas clearly and with integrity in speech and in writing.
LO6.
To demonstrate knowledge and respect for ethical standards and difference within societies that maintain respect for people's differences and inherent value.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection | Diary Assessment | 20% 10 x (2 points each) |
3/03/2026 - 20/05/2026
Journal assignments begin in Week 2 for 10 weeks. Entries are due at 2pm on the day of the lecture. The week 2 entry is due 1 week later in week 3 and so on. |
| Examination |
Midterm Exam
|
40% *in-person only* |
21/04/2026 10:00 am
The deferred exam is scheduled for week 9, Tuesday 28 April at 12noon, room TBC. The exam MUST be written in person. |
| Essay/ Critique | Essay | 40% 2000 words |
27/05/2026 2:00 pm
For topics and readings see Blackboard and the library resources page. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Diary Assessment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 20% 10 x (2 points each)
- Due date
3/03/2026 - 20/05/2026
Journal assignments begin in Week 2 for 10 weeks. Entries are due at 2pm on the day of the lecture. The week 2 entry is due 1 week later in week 3 and so on.
Task description
Reading responses of 100-150 words (+/- 10 per cent) are due starting in week 2. Students are to respond to the assigned question and reading. Each entry should take its topic from questions that will be listed on the library resources page (see Blackboard) that will be based upon the week's readings.
Students will be expected to complete 10 journal entries over the course of the semester. Journal entries begin in Week 2. Each journal entry must be submitted at 2pm on the day of the lectures, and they must be submitted via journal Turnitin links on the Blackboard page.
It is important to maintain a consistent effort for this task over the semester.
A maximum of 20 marks will be awarded for journal entries (2 mark per journal entry), if entries are completed and submitted on time, and demonstrate preparation (mainly though knowledge of readings). Responses that do not respond to the question or relate to the reading will receive a grade of 1, as per the assessment criteria. If 5 or fewer diary entries are completed, the student will receive 0 diary entry marks.
Journal assignments begin in Week 2 and are due the following week by 2pm on the day of the lecture.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Each journal entry must be submitted within one week of lectures, and they must be submitted via journal Turnitin links on the Blackboard page.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Entries must be submitted by the due date and unsubmitted or late entries will receive a score of 0/2, the maximum mark. The purpose of this assessment is to encourage consistent engagement with course content throughout the semester for external students and therefore late submissions are not academically possible.
Midterm Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% *in-person only*
- Due date
21/04/2026 10:00 am
The deferred exam is scheduled for week 9, Tuesday 28 April at 12noon, room TBC. The exam MUST be written in person.
Task description
All external students MUST complete this exam in-person.
Aim: The midterm will test your knowledge of the lecture and tutorial reading content and it aims to prepare you to complete your final essay. You will find the lecture materials, tutorial readings, and a research report template to guide you in your preparations.
Site visit: Students are required to visit one religious/secular/spiritual site (in person or virtually) prior to this exam (1 of the 2 that is required for the major essay). Students are advised to begin their site visits as soon as possible in the semester to avoid last minute rush. Further details will be provided in lectures and on Blackboard.
In addition to attending lectures and completing assigned readings, students are advised to complete the template available on Blackboard to help them prepare for their exam. The template will be discussed in the lectures. It is crucial that you attend lectures and read the information provided on Blackboard. The template will require students to: choose their essay topic; record fieldnotes and observations from 1 site visit; summarise their theoretical framework; and complete an annotated bibliography with relevant sources. The exam will ask questions about the material you have prepared on that template and questions on the content of lectures and assigned readings.
Exam conditions: The midterm exam will comprise of multiple choice questions (relating to lecture and reading content) and short answer response questions (relating to your research proposal template).
Exam materials: No books, notes, or aid materials are allowed in the exam. You are not permitted to bring the research template to the exam. The exam is a closed-book exam with no study aids.
AI: This assessment task evaluates the student's abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses in advance and during the exam is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.e (AI).
Hurdle requirements
To pass this course students must complete assessments worth at least 30% to ensure learning objectives through secure assessment. The assessment MUST be completed in person.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
submit in person to invigilator after completing the exam
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
The exam must be completed in person on the scheduled dates.
Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 2000 words
- Due date
27/05/2026 2:00 pm
For topics and readings see Blackboard and the library resources page.
Task description
Site visits: Students will visit 2 sites (online or in person) , one religious and one secular or spiritual during the semester and write a 2000 word essay. Further information and detailed guidlines about the assessment and particular site visits, and what to look for when you are there, will be discussed in lectures and tutorials with guidelines found in blackboard.
Word Count: 2,000 words. Word counts within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. Word counts do not include footnotes, however, discursive footnotes are included in the word count. Quotations are a part of the word count. Bibliographies are not included in the word count. A word count that is outside these 10% will receive a proportionate penalty and will be graded against the grading criteria.
Topics and Sources: For this assessment, you must choose a theme (see the template from the Research Proposal assignment) and make an argument with thesis statement, theory, and your observations. The essay should be based on no less than 7 academic sources.
Referencing Style: Students must use Chicago style for references and bibliographies: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html
AI: This assessment task evaluates the student's abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.e (AI).
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin through Blackboard >assessment
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Diary Assessment Criteria
Your diary assessment task will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Degree to which set questions and topic have been addressed.
2. Understanding and engagement with set reading or other materials as required.
3. Clear and concise written expression, well presented.
4. Completion of diary entries, as per course requirements.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your diary will provide an exceptional response to the set topic, demonstrate exceptional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use very clear and concise expression with minimal, if any errors.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your diary will provide an advanced level of response to the set topic, demonstrate very high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use clear and concise, largely error free expression.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your diary will provide a proficient response to the set topic, demonstrate high levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an effective standard of written expression.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), your diary will provide a basic response to the set topic, demonstrate functional levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings, and use an appropriate standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your diary will show that your entry has failed to meet the requirements for a passing grade, but that there is evidence of developing levels of achievement. You will have attempted to respond to the set topic, attempted to engage with and understand the prescribed readings. You will have used an appropriate a standard of written expression sufficient to convey your ideas.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your diary will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that your levels of engagement with and understanding of the prescribed readings are minimal, and that your expression is poor and/or inappropriate.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your diary will show that you have provided an unsatisfactory response to the set topic, that you have failed to engage with and understand the prescribed readings, and that your expression is poor and/or unsatisfactory.
Failing Criteria and Academic Misconduct
Fabrication or misrepresentation of sources will result in an automatic maximum grade of 2 for this assessment, regardless of performance in other criteria. This includes but is not limited to: citing non-existent sources or attributing false quotes to real sources. Such issues demonstrate failure to meet the core learning outcomes for the course and may also be referred for academic misconduct
Exam Assessment Criteria
Your exam responses will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Multiple–Choice/One-Word Answer Questions
Students will be assessed on:
1. Ability to recall terminology and factual knowledge.
2. Ability to recognise the correct contexts for the application of factual knowledge.
Short Answer Questions
Students will be assessed on:
1. Ability to produce a succinct response to a directed question.
2. Knowledge of key themes or ideas.
3. Ability to employ relevant terminology, as required.
4. Clear and concise written expression, well presented.
Gobbets/Textual/Object Analyses
Students will be assessed on:
1. Ability to identify author and/or creator of the item.
2. Ability to explain the context of the item.
3. Ability to identify the key components, themes or features that allow critical appreciation.
4. Ability to explain the significance of the item.
5. Clear and concise written expression, well presented.
Essay Questions
Students will be assessed on:
1. Ability to recognise key issues in the question.
2. Ability to structure an argument.
3. Use of evidence.
4. Engagement with academic scholarship and/or debates.
5. Clear and concise written expression, well presented.
Unlike formative assessments undertaken during your course (such as book reviews and essays), exam answers are typically marked on right or wrong basis for multiple choice, single word and short answer questions. Individual exam essays and other exam questions are not awarded grades, but are assessed numerically (such as a mark out of five, or a mark out of ten). The overall grade achieved for an exam is arrived at by totalling the marks for the constituent elements of the exam.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your exam will demonstrate an exceptional grasp of terminology, factual knowledge, themes and ideas. You will demonstrate an exceptional level of understanding and rigour in argumentation in responding to short and long answer prompts, showing exceptional clarity of ideas, understanding of issues, organisation of material, and insightful and creative responses. Your responses will be directly relevant to the prompts. The written expression and presentation will be excellent and follow discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your exam will demonstrate an advanced grasp of terminology, factual knowledge, themes and ideas. You will demonstrate a very good level of understanding and rigour in argumentation in responding to short and long answer prompts, showing very good understanding of issues, organisation of material, and a capable synthesis of ideas. Your responses will be directly relevant to the prompts. The written expression and presentation will be very good and follow discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your exam will demonstrate a proficient grasp of terminology, factual knowledge, themes and ideas. You will demonstrate a good understanding and rigour in argumentation in responding to short and long answer prompts, showing good understanding of issues, good organisation of material, and a generally capable synthesis of ideas. Your responses will be indirectly relevant to the prompts. The written expression and presentation will be good and largely follow discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), your exam will demonstrate a basic grasp of terminology, factual knowledge, themes and ideas. You will demonstrate a basic understanding and rigour in argumentation in responding to short and long answer prompts, showing a basic understanding of issues and adequate organisation of material. Your responses will be indirectly relevant to the prompts with unclear links between the prompts and your answer. Your written expression and presentation will be satisfactory and follow discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your exam will demonstrate an emerging grasp of terminology and factual knowledge that is underdeveloped and falling short of a pass. You will demonstrate a superficial and inadequate understanding in your responses to short and long answer prompts, showing poor argumentation and poor organisation. Your responses will be indirectly relevant to the prompts with unclear links between the prompts and your answer, offering tangential or unrelated information. Your written expression and presentation will be adequate and should attempt to follow discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your exam will demonstrate a limited or partial grasp of terminology and factual knowledge that is deficient and incomplete. Your responses to short and long answer prompts will show a deficient understanding with no attempt engage meaningfully with the prompts. You demonstrate overall deficiencies in fundamental aspects of this course through limited or poor organisation and explanations. Your responses will be unrelated to the prompts, answering only vaguely or tangentially to the prompt. Your writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and will not follow discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your exam will demonstrate that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this assessment task. You will have demonstrate little grasp of terminology or factual knowledge. Your responses to short and long answer prompts will demonstrate that you have inadequately understood fundamental aspects of this course. Your responses will be unrelated to the prompts. Your writing will be poorly organised and/or poorly written and will not follow discipline conventions.
Essay Assessment Criteria
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
3. Ability to form a well-structured essay.
4. Engagement with academic sources and evidence.
5. Creativity or originality in analysis
6. Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
7. Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay will reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It will demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It will also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing and expression. Your work must demonstrate your own analysis, argumentation, and use of evidence through thoroughly verified sources. You must demonstrate close engagement with sources in their disciplinary context.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75 – 84%), your essay will reflect an advanced level of achievement. It will demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing and expression. Your work must demonstrate your own analysis, argumentation, and use of evidence through thoroughly verified sources. You must demonstrate close engagement with sources in their disciplinary context.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay will reflect a proficient level of achievement. It will demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in expression, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Your work must demonstrate your own analysis, argumentation, and use of evidence through verified sources. You work will have some inconsistencies or contradictions that fail to demonstrate proficient understanding. You must demonstrate engagement with sources in their disciplinary context.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, and expression will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately. Your work must demonstrate your own analysis, argumentation, and use of evidence through verified sources. Your work will have inconsistencies and contradictions that demonstrate only adequate understanding. You must demonstrate engagement with sources in their disciplinary context.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, and expression will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Your work will fail to adequately demonstrate independent analysis and argumentation that arises from your own engagement with and synthesis of source materials or assessment stimuli. Your work will have inconsistencies and contradictions. You will demonstrate a mostly stereotypical and/or superficial understanding of concepts, ideas, and source materials/stimuli, failing to demonstrate engagement with sources in their disciplinary context. The overall response will not adequately address the task.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Your work will fail to adequately demonstrate independent analysis and argumentation that arises from your own engagement with and synthesis of source materials or assessment stimuli. You will demonstrate a mostly stereotypical and/or superficial understanding of concepts, ideas, and source materials/stimuli, failing to demonstrate engagement with sources in their disciplinary context. Your work will have inconsistencies and contradictions The overall response will not adequately address the task.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate. Your work will show no original analysis or evidence of independent thought, with factual errors and misrepresentation of source material and no meaningful correspondence to the assignment prompt.
Failing Criteria and Academic Misconduct
Fabrication or misrepresentation of sources will result in an automatic maximum grade of 2 for this assessment, regardless of performance in other criteria. This includes but is not limited to: citing non-existent sources or attributing false quotes to real sources. Such issues demonstrate failure to meet the core learning outcomes for the course and may also be referred for academic misconduct
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Do not rely on Grade Centre in Blackboard. Look at your assessment grade and feedback in Turnitin.
- Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
- By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
- All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
- A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.
- Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
- It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
- Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
- Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
- For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The course readings are available on Blackboard. You are also encouraged to read as widely as possible and to access information and opinions wherever you find them! It is important that you critically evaluate the data and opinions, no matter what the source, but be especially careful of non-refereed sources.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction to the Study of Religion - Theory This lecture will introduce students to the academic study of religion and expectations for the course. Students will also be introduced to theories of religion. |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
How to Study Religion, Spirituality, and Atheism - Methods This lecture will focus on method, that is, how to go about studying religion. It aims to help develop in students ways of seeing (observation) and asking questions (analysis) in order to equip students for the final essay project. |
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Judaism & Christianity Part 1: A history of Judaism, its people and practices. Students will have a virtual tour of Brisbane’s oldest synagogue. Part 2: An analysis of the history and meaning of the Christian faith. The beliefs, practices and communalism of the faith is discussed, as are the current directions of Christian practice in Australia and elsewhere. |
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Colonialism & Religion A critical history of the category of religion with attention to indigenous peoples in Australia, with examples from Far North Queensland and the UQ Great Court. |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Islam An overview of Islam, its people, diversity, and practices. Students will learn about Muslims in Australia and Queensland and Internationally. |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Lecture |
Site Visit Further information on the site visit will be given to students at the start of term. |
Mid-sem break (06 Apr - 12 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
Non-Religion and Atheism Being religious is no longer the default position, as more people in the West, and particularly Australia, identify as non-religious. But what does it mean to be non-religious in the West today? Does religion “live on” in secular activities, like sports, concerts, and days commemorating nationhood? Students will learn about the varieties of being non-religious. |
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Lecture |
Midterm Exam Information on the midterm exam will be provided in the first week of lectures. Please consult the Course Profile and attend lecture or view the recorded lecture for more information. Students must attend this exam in person. Students who have an approved absence must write the deferred exam at the scheduled time one week later or receive a 0. |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Nature Religion Nature has been central to many religious traditions and has been the centre of many spiritual traditions. This lecture explores how people relate to nature through spiritualist movements like paganism, but also through secular approaches to nature including surfing and nature walks. |
Tutorial |
*Deferred exam* If you applied for and received an offical approval to defer your midterm exam, the deferred exam is scheduled for week 9 immediately following the lecture (12 noon on 28 April 2026; room TBC). You must attend this exam in person. There is no deferral on a deferred exam and students not completing the assessment will receive a 0 for the assessment item. |
|
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Lecture |
Spirituality What does it mean to be spiritual not religious? This lecture explores the historical and contemporary trends in the spirituality, linking these to the authority of experience. While Western religions have had mystical strands that have pointed to experiences of union with the divine, it is only more recently that experience has become central to the authority that religion holds and to spirituality. This lecture explores the emergence experience as a central category of the human condition showing the diverse expressions that spirituality takes. |
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
New Religious Movements Religious and spiritual movements can offer radical counter-currents to mainstream society, and this trend has accelerated with technology. This lecture explores counter-cultural religious movements, from religious “cults” to online gaming groups to conspiracy theorists. |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Religion & Gender This lecture will explore the recurring historical trend of religious revivalisms in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It offers case studies of Feminist movements from within Western traditions, showing the close links between social and political movements and religion. |
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Summing up and benefiting your career What skills did you develop in this course, and how do you see them benefiting your career and life? This final lecture will offer space to reflect on what you were surprised to learn and what skills you developed that will benefit you as you think about your future career. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.