Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
In this course, we examine the long tradition of writings about the Jewish and Christian religions: meditations on the nature of the divine, literary encounters with heaven and hell, and critical reflections on the place of religion in Western society. Through a selection of works designed to show a diversity of perspectives, we explore the ways in which writers have imagined the Jewish and Christian traditions, encountered life through the lens of their faith, and wrestled with the ever-changing role of religion in the West. This course also includes artistic works (musical and visual) that respond to these ideas and a broad exploration of the history of Judaism and Christianity from antiquity to the present.
Course requirements
Restrictions
BAdvHum(Hons) and BHum/LLB(Hons) students only. BAdvHum(Hons) students taking this course as an elective please email westernciv@uq.edu.au to enable your enrolment.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically and reflectively engage with Western religious traditions.
LO2.
Think beyond received narratives about Western religious traditions.
LO3.
Reason and justify individual interpretations of texts in Western religious traditions.
LO4.
Directly engage with a text in the Jewish religious tradition.
LO5.
Directly engage with a text in the Christian religious tradition.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Participation | 15% |
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024 |
| Translation/ Interpretation | Gobbets | 20% |
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024 |
| Project | Video Presentation | 25% |
20/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Essay | 40% |
4/11/2024 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
15% is awarded for participation, and includes: seminar attendance, contribution to group discussions, and engagement with extracurricular learning activities.
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
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Gobbets
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Gobbets are short passages or extracts from primary texts that students must analyse and write a 350-word commentary on. A maximum of 20 marks (2 per gobbet) will be awarded for a total of ten gobbet exercises. Students are required to submit one gobbet passage from the options provided for 10 of the 12 seminars. Gobbet passages will be available on Blackboard under the relevant week in “Learning Resources”.
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
Gobbets must be submitted through Turnitin during seminar weeks.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Video Presentation
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
20/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Each student is required to submit a 6 minute video presentation that focusses on one of eight possible works of visual art from the Middle Ages or Renaissance. The eight options will be available on Blackboard. Students must use form-appropriate methods of analysis to explain the religious meaning and intellectual, cultural and/or social significance of the artwork to the Jewish and/or Christian culture of the time of its composition.
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
Video Presentations must be uploaded to the course Blackboard site.
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.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
4/11/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This research essay will need to answer one of several questions that will be provided on the course Blackboard site. The essay should be 2,500 words (+/- 10%), not including citations and works cited, and must based upon no less than 8 academic sources.
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
Research Essays must be submitted through Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
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 - 24.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1, Serious Fail (0-24.99%), is generally awarded in cases where some work has been submitted, but of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44.99%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49.99%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-64.99%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (65-74.99%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84.99%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Student Services
Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills.
The team also offers a wide range of professional and confidential services.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Ancient Judaism This lecture will explore the origins, history, and founding stories of Judaism from the 2nd millennium BCE to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Seminar |
The Pentateuch: Genesis In this seminar, students will explore the primeval history of divine creation in the first book of the Pentateuch, as well as the ancestral history of Abraham's covenant with God, and discuss the significance of Genesis for Western thought and culture. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Rabbinic Judaism This lecture will examine the history of Rabbinic Judaism from the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE to the Middle Ages. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Seminar |
The Ketuvim: The Book of Job In this seminar, students will read The Book of Job, exploring its major theme of theodicy - the problem of human suffering and divine justice in the world - and discuss its significance for Western thought and culture. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Historical Jesus This lecture will explore the origins, history, and stories of Christianity from the birth of Jesus to the composition of the Gospels. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Seminar |
The New Testament: The Gospel of Matthew In this seminar, students will read the Gospel of Matthew, compare the canonical text to the gnostic Infancy Gospel of Thomas, and discuss questions about the authorship and canonicity of the Gospels. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Reading Week |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Church & Empire This lecture will explore the emergence of a catholic form of Christianity in the first four centuries CE, along with the growth of churches in the Mediterranean and Christianity's fateful alliance with the Roman Empire in 312 CE. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Seminar |
Anonymous: Beowulf In this seminar, students will read the Old English epic poem Beowulf, the only surviving manuscript of which was thought to have been composed between c. 975-1025 CE. Attention will be paid to the way that this pagan oral narrative was Christianised by the anonymous scribe who composed it. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Heaven, Hell & Purgatory This lecture will examine the historical development of heaven, hell and purgatory from Late Antiquity to the High Middle Ages. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Seminar |
Dante: Inferno In this seminar, students will read the first part of Dante's Divina Commedia, the Inferno, the journey of Dante and his guide Virgil through the nine levels of Hell, and discuss its themes as well as its context and later importance. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
The Renaissance This lecture will explore the emergence of critiques of the Roman Catholic Church in the Renaissance and the role of women in European society at the time. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Seminar |
Pizan: The Book of the City of Ladies In this seminar, students will read Christine de Pizan’s 1405 defence of women’s contribution to Western culture through her literary construction of an allegorical city. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Reading Milton’s Paradise Lost This guest lecture by Dr Jennifer Clement will explore Milton’s historical and literary context and offer advise on reading Paradise Lost. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Seminar |
Milton: Paradise Lost (Part 1) In this seminar, students will read books I-VI of Milton’s Paradise Lost (1667), an epic poem that retells the biblical fall of Adam and Eve in light of God’s war against Satan. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Protestantism This lecture will explore the theology and impact of German reformer Martin Luther, and the spread of Protestantism in the 16th and 17th centuries. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Seminar |
Milton: Paradise Lost (Part 2) In this seminar, students will read books VII-XII of Milton’s Paradise Lost (1667), an epic poem that retells the biblical fall of Adam and Eve in light of God’s war against Satan. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
The Soul This lecture will examine debates about the soul, paying particular attention to the role that the newly discovered force of electricity acquired in religious debates of the 18th and 19th centuries. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Seminar |
Shelley: Frankenstein In this seminar, students will read Mary Shelley’s story of the young Victor Frankenstein’s creation and its repercussions in Frankenstein, and discuss the importance of Jewish and Christian themes to secular literature and culture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Modern Judaism This lecture will explore the roots of modern Judaism in the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment), the division of Judaism into its three modern denominations (Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative), and its place in the world after the Holocaust. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Seminar |
Heschel: The Sabbath In this seminar, students will read Abraham Joshua Heschel's reflections on modernity and the meaning of time and place for Jewish life in The Sabbath (1951), as a means to reflect on aspects of Judaism's encounters with the modern world. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
The Holocaust This lecture will explore the history of antisemitism in the West, the rise of Nazism, and the Holocaust (1941-1945). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Seminar |
Levi: If This is a Man In this seminar, students will read Primo Levi's recollection of his time in the Auschwitz concentration camp, and discuss the Holocaust's significance for Judaism and the role of God in the face of unspeakable acts of evil. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
The Critique of Religion This lecture will explore the critique of religion from Nietzsche to Freud, with a particular focus on the importance of Freud’s psychoanalytic approach to religion. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Seminar |
Freud: The Future of an Illusion In this seminar, students will read Sigmund Freud’s The Future of an Illusion (1927) and discuss Freud’s psychoanalytic assessment of religion’s basis in human nature. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.