COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Comparative Religion and Social Anthropology degree provides an interdisciplinary exploration of religion and human culture through a combination of theological and anthropological study. In the first year, students are introduced to the study of religions and theology, social anthropology, and ethnographic reading, alongside modules examining cultural diversity, power, and inequality. Optional units such as the study of Judaism, Christianity, and religion and the environment allow students to explore specific traditions and moral questions. The second year deepens understanding through core modules like World Philosophies and the Anthropology of Religion, complemented by options such as Religion, Culture and Gender, History of Modern Islamic Thought, and World Christianities, offering insight into global belief systems and their social dimensions. In the final year, students complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice, integrating independent research with critical analysis. They can also study specialized subjects such as Holocaust Theology, Science and Islam, and Gender and Sexuality in the Bible. Through this structure, the course encourages students to critically engage with the complex relationship between religion, culture, and society, while developing transferable skills in research, communication, and intercultural understanding, preparing them for diverse professional and academic pathways.