Module VPR-2150:
Religion in Wales
Religion in Wales: From Paganism to the Church of the Jediist 2023-24
VPR-2150
2023-24
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Gareth Evans-Jones
Overview
The module will explore the following fields: • The development of Christianity on the culture, society and religion of Wales, by acknowledging that other religious traditions have existed in Wales, including Judaism, Hinduism and Islam, and others, less ‘obvious’, those which will be discussed in this module.. • Exploration into the history and nature of Paganism in Wales by focussing on Druidism and Modern Druidism. • Ass the characteristics of Wicca in Wales, and how the landscape of Wales has impacted how the religion is practiced. • Study of the practicality and limitations of practicing Voodoo in a Celtic context. • Consider the nature and characteristics of Welsh Satanism, especially since the turn of the 21st century. • Exploration of how the followers of the Baha’I faith have developed a such a tradition in a very different country to the birthplace of the faith. • Church of Jediism: a new religion for Wales or a fleeting philosophy? • Nature of religion in Wales today: a godly country or a growingly secular nation?
• The influence of Christianity on the culture, society and religion of Wales. • The history and nature of Paganism in Wales with particular emphasis on Druidism and Modern Druidism. • Wicca in Wales and how the landscape of Wales has influenced the practice of this religion. • Voodoo in a Celtic context. • The nature and characteristics of Welsh Satanism. • Baha'i and the Welsh. • The Church of the Jediist: a new religion or a fleeting philosophy? • The nature of religion in Wales today: a godly country or a growingly secular nation?
Assessment Strategy
Threshold D / 40%> Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: • Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. • Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. • Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. • Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.
C- to C+ Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: • Good structure and logically developed arguments. • At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
Good -B (50%>) Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: • Very good structure and logically developed arguments. • Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
Excellent -A (70%>) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: • Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. • Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. • Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.
Learning Outcomes
- Discuss and demonstrate how a gegraphilcal location influences the way of practicing various religions and the way of interpreting religious texts.
- Show a good level of information regarding the complexities of religions in modern Welsh society.
- Show a good level of understanding of the role of religion in shaping personal and national identities.
- Show an undertsanding of relevant scholarship regarding religion in Wales.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Students are given guidance to write qutestionnaires to raise awareness of the public of a selection of the religions which will be discussed in this module. They will then work to get 20 individual responses.
Weighting
30%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Students will assess the collected data gathered from their questionnaires and will draw a piece assessing the responses.
Weighting
30%
Assessment method
Individual Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Students will present a 15 minute oral presentation to explore public ideas regarding one of the religions discussed in this module, and the different ways society can develop a greater awareness of that religion.
Weighting
40%