course-details-portlet

RVI2125 - New Religious Movements. New religions, conspiracy theories and extremism.

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Assignment 100/100

Course content

The course will provide an introduction to contemporary religion with an emphasis on modern religious movements in Europe and North America. The student will learn about the contemporary and historical background of modern religious movements, and learn how various sections of society react to them. The interplay between society and religion is emphasized. The course will consider various topics of contemporary religion, such as:

  • The sociology of modern religions,
  • Essential doctrines of New Age religions,
  • Modern apocalyptic movements,
  • UFO-religions,
  • Neo-paganism,
  • Anti-cult movements,
  • Theories of secularization and modernity,
  • Radicalization and extremism.

The course will also provide further study of the methodological and theoretical issues related to the study of religion, as well as deeper study of selected topics in the history of the disciplin. The course will thereby provide a further understanding of various approaches, how theories are formed, and related issues.

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills)

Knowledge

The candidate has attained

  • knowledge of the background and expressions of new religious movements and the cultic milieu of contemporary Western societies, with an emphasis on new religious movements in Europe and North America
  • knowledge of methods used in the study of this new religious landscape, as well as theories developed to understand and explain it
  • knowledge of research on both organized and unorganized new religious expressions

Skills

The candidate has acquired skills to

  • exert good scientific practice regarding sources and references
  • apply research on contemporary religion to research questions and make well-founded decisions
  • account for, compare, analyse and discuss sources and research

Learning methods and activities

Instruction consists of lectures and seminars.

In order to take the exam the student must complete tutorials and submit a written assignment (2000-2500 words). For more information on the obligatory activity, see Blackboard. The written assignment and tutorials are only given in the semester when the subject is taught, but is valid until the course is taught again.

Compulsory assignments

  • Approved obligatory activity

Further on evaluation

The exam consists of a written assignment (6000-8000 words).

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
RVI2120 7.5 AUTUMN 2007
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  15.0 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Comparative Religion
Contact information
Course coordinator:

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Assignment 100/100

Submission
2024-12-09


14:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Assignment 100/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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