FTR-RSMAR100
Masterseminar Comparative Religious Studies: Material Religion
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleFTR-RSMAR100
Credits (ECTS)10
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies; Opleiding Religiestudies;
Lecturer(s)
Lecturer
dr. J. Kroesbergen-Kamps
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer
prof. dr. H.J.M. Venbrux
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner
prof. dr. H.J.M. Venbrux
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course
prof. dr. H.J.M. Venbrux
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2022
Period
SEM1  (05/09/2022 to 29/01/2023)
Starting block
SEM1
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
You will become acquainted with various approaches to material religion, learn about specific practices with objects employed in religion, and how to study the objects themselves and their use in context. 
 
Content
Material Religion

In this semester-long course on material religion we examine the materiality of religion and its relationship to religious practices and ideas. The importance of material culture for the way religion takes shape, operates, and is experienced and expressed, can hardly be underestimated. As Matthew Engelke puts it, “All religion is material religion”. You will become acquainted with various approaches to material religion, learn about specific practices with objects employed in religion, and how to study the objects themselves and their use in context. We will look at material dimensions of different religions from a comparative perspective. 
Level

Presumed foreknowledge

Test information
Written research paper and oral presentation of the field research.
Specifics
To open this course for potential students of foreign languages, this course is offered in English. In case all enrolled students are Dutch-speaking, classroom communication will be in Dutch.
Required materials
Literature
Common views of religion typically focus on the beliefs and meanings derived from revealed scriptures, ideas, and doctrines. David Morgan has led the way in radically broadening that framework to encompass the understanding that religions are fundamentally embodied, material forms of practice. This concise primer shows readers how to study what has come to be termed material religion—the ways religious meaning is enacted in the material world. [see further the eBook version in the university library]
ISBN:978-1-4696-6283-1
Title:The Thing About Religion: An Introduction to the Material Study of Religions
Author:David Morgan
Publisher:The University of North Carolina Press (2021)
Edition:1
Articles
Further articles (will be made available in Brightspace)

Instructional modes
Seminar
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Paper
Test weight1
Test typePaper
OpportunitiesBlock SEM1, Block SEM2