production
Skip to Content

DR101Q: 'ATHEISM AND ATHEISMS’ (2019-2020)

Last modified: 25 Sep 2019 09:58


Course Overview

This course will offer an overview of philosophical and theological approaches of atheism, from ancient times to the present day. It will trace the historical development of atheistic thought, beginning with ancient atheisms and pin-pointing key historical texts and developments in this area of thought. The course will explore divergent modern approaches to unbelief, including New Atheism, ‘temperate’ or ‘soft’ atheisms, and Humanism, as well as the more recent phenomenon of ‘godless religion’ and secular churches. The latter part of the course will trace theological engagement with atheism, examining religious responses to unbelief. The module will end with some discussion of how the discipline of theology might engage with atheism in both contemporary and future discourse.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Katie Cross

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme
  • Programme Level 1

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

As Western society becomes increasingly detached from religion and religious practice, it is more important than ever to understand the place and function of atheism (and atheisms) in modern thought. This course will explore the historical development of atheistic perspectives from ancient times, as well as more current trends in thinking (including New and ‘Temperate’ atheisms, the phenomenon of ‘godless churches’ and claims that we now live in a ‘post-secular’ society). Discussions will turn towards theological engagement with atheism and religious responses to unbelief. Finally, we will consider the place of atheism in contemporary discourse, and how theology might engage with it in future.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback Word Count 1500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

500 Word Short Paper

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandStudents will become familiar with the historical development of atheism, as well as associated key tests and events.
ConceptualUnderstandStudents will be introduced to various forms of contemporary atheism, and the differences (and similarities) between them.
ConceptualAnalyseStudents will critically analyse the functions of various atheisms.
ConceptualEvaluateStudents will reflect upon the place of atheism (and atheisms) in contemporary culture, and be equipped to discuss and evaluate the wider implications of secularisation in Western society.

Compatibility Mode

We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.