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THEO3701: Religion, Media, and Popular Culture

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap 20
Location Durham
Department Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To introduce key theories in the study of media, religion and popular culture
  • To explore through the examination of a range of media the different relationships that exist between religion and media representation

Content

  • The first part of the module will be structured around a range of theoretical perspectives on the study of popular culture and media. These will include theories of culture, representation, consumption, and processes of production. Each theoretical framework will be situated in specific mediated religious forms e.g. The Celebrity Worship, the Representation of Islam in TV News, Advertising as a new Religious Order. The second part of the module will examine a series of case studies that illustrate the following perspectives: Religion in Popular Culture, Popular Culture in Religion, Popular Culture as Religion, and Religion and Popular Culture in Dialogue.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • A detailed understanding of theoretical frameworks from cultural/media studies as they relate to religion.
  • An understanding of the varied perspectives within the Religion media and Popular Culture field as expressed for instance in the examination of: Religion in Popular Culture, Popular Culture in Religion, Popular Culture as Religion and Relgion and Popular Culture in Dialogue.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • The ability to analyse and describe religion as it articulates with media and popular culture through specific texts and social formations.

Key Skills:

  • The ability to analyse, critique and use theoretical frameworks from cultural/media studies
  • Ability to use media to examine this academic field in particular using visual representation including powerpoint, the use of clips from media and recording a short presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures convey information and key theoretical perspectives enabling students to understand the frameworks for working in this area of the study of religion
  • Seminars enhance subject specific knowledge and enable students to interact with specific media texts, practices and social formations.
  • Group interaction develops an awareness of a range of perspectives
  • Formative assessment exercise will enable students to explore a substantive aspect of media and religion e.g. Religion in Rap Music, Religion in Childrens Cartoons, Religion in Game of Thrones through group work and class presentations
  • Summative Video Essay: Each student will develop the substantive area of work through recording a powerpoint presentation with a 5-10 minute oral presentation using Kaltura media or other system and up loaded to Duo. This will enhance students knowledge and ability to communicate theoretical and analytical perspectives through the use of media.
  • Summative Essays will assess subject specific knowledge and understanding, in particular the critical and analytical skills required for this area of the study of religion.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures201 per week in the first two terms 1 hour20 
Seminars201 per week in the first two terms 1 hour20 
Preparation and Reading160 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Video EssayComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
three questions in three hours5-10 minutes100yes
Component: Summative EssayComponent Weighting: 35%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
essay2500 words100yes
Component: Summative essayComponent Weighting: 45%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay3000 words100yes

Formative Assessment

Students will be required to work in groups on a substantive area of media representation and to present their findings as part of the seminars.

More information

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