Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give a basic introduction to studies of the relationship between natural science and religion and that the student may acquire the ability to reflect upon own conceptions and values.

After completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe how natural science can convey different worldviews.
• Explain the basic features of different views concerning natural science and religion.
• Identify what might be problematic regarding different views.
• Identify philosophical presuppositions regarding different positions in natural science and religion
• Actively participate at seminars.
• Make shorter presentations concerning positions and philosophical presuppositions in the science-religion debate
• Present and argue for his/her own opinions regarding the relation between natural science and religion

Content

The course is addressed to students interested in the relationship between natural science and religion and how science and religion can contribute to answers of existential questions in human life. The course gives a general introduction about how natural science in contemporary society mediates and expresses worldviews; it addresses issues how different (new or established) religions relate to and are affected by theories in natural science e.g. physics and biology.

Instruction

The course combines lectures and seminars. The language of instruction is English. Course papers can be prepared in Swedish or English. The seminars and lectures are mandatory.

Assessment

The forms of examination for this course are a written assignment (1.5 credits), oral examination (4 credits), and active participation in seminars and groupworks (2 credits).

Grading scale for seminars: Fail-Pass (U-G). Grading scale for all other assessed components: Fail-Pass-Pass with distinction (U-G-VG).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Other directives

If the course has very few participants, the methods of instruction stated above may be replaced by independent study.

Transitional provisions

Students retain the right to be examined on the course according to this syllabus for 3 semesters after their course instance has ended. Normally, instruction will be given according to the latest version of the course syllabus only.