Bachelor's Programme in Religion, Ethics and Culture

Study programme code BACREK

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

General description and profile of the programme

During the last decade religion has gained increased global importance, politically as well as culturally. Some even see it as a "religious comeback". The Bachelor's Programme in Religion, Ethics and Culture provides the opportunity to study in depth a number of issues related to this broad field of study. Texts, ideas, religious practice and ethics are discussed with a view to the roles that religions and philosophies of life have played in history and in contemporary society. Cultural analytical and societal scientific perspectives have a large place in the Programme. And the models comprise amongst other things the study of Holy texts, science of religion, the history of Christianity, ethics and sociology of religion.

The degree programme comprises study trips as well as the possibility to spend a longer period abroad, which is considered as an important part of the programme. The first year of study offers a study trip to Oslo and Syria. In the summer between the first and second years of study it is possible to take a summer semester at Lesbos, studying Ex. Phil. and Ex. Fac. The fourth semester offers the possibility of advanced course studies in Asia.

Throughout the study, students will develop a culture-analytical awareness and sound analytical skills that may be applied to a number of professional contexts. The students impress the program's profile through their choice of subject, and in the third year they can choose from a variety of attractive one-year programmes and course combinations.

Students may choose between several procedures that each qualify for master studies in religion, ethics and society or studies of Christianity. Those students who wish to take an in-depth study of The New Testament on master level, are recommended to study Greek equivalent to 20 ECTS credits (variation 2 in the fourth semester). It is possible to study the modules in another order than sketched below. However, to initiate the study of the supplementary modules one must have completed at least 4 modules within religion and ethics or RLE on level 1.

The specialization module of the bachelor programme consists of 80 ECTS credits in religion and ethics. Of these at least 20 ECTS credits must be supplementary modules (level 2).

The minor (60 credits): The students may choose from a variety of relevant studies or course combinations. Choose a one-year study programme (60 credits) or two 30 credit course combinations.
Students who plan to work as teachers are recommended to choose a national curriculum subject of 60 credits, for instance a one-year programme in Norwegian, English or mathematics.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes On completion of the programme students shall
- have acquired good analytic skills
- have acquired extensive knowledge of religion and ethics
- master various methodical approaches to the subject area
- be able to plan and complete a minor research project

Teaching methods Teaching methods are accounted for in the course descriptions, and may vary between lectures, discussion seminars, presentations and presentation seminars.

Assessment methods Forms of assessment vary between written examinations, oral examinations, term papers and portfolio assessment. See the course descriptions for further information.

Student exchange Extension studies abroad can be arranged in the fourth semester, either in Asia or at other institutions abroad with which the University of Agder has agreements.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies The last years have seen a growing demand for competence in the field of religion. The programme gives useful background for work with education and analysis both in the public and private sectors. It is relevant for students who want to work as teachers, lecturers, journalists or who want to work within publishing, in culture-related positions or in national or international organisations.

With teaching in mind it may be useful to study an additional school subject in the third year. In combination with the Postgraduate Certificate in Education it also qualifies to teach in lower and upper secondary school.

The programme qualifies for admission to master's programmes in religion, ethics and society or religious studies.

Qualification awarded Bachelor´s Degree in Religion, Ethics and Culture

Other information Students who choose to take Examen Philosophicum and Examen Facultatum at Lesbos have to contact the student adviser in order to adjust the education plan.

Contact person Årstein Justnes (38141558, arstein.justnes@uia.no)