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<\/a>Hinnells, John (ed.). (2005) The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion.<\/em> Abingdon: Routledge.<\/strong><\/p>\nIn the first week of the core module \u2018What is Religion?\u2019 we\u2019ll reflect on the question: why study religions? To give you a taster of the kind of texts we\u2019ll be discussing during the seminars, read John Hinnells\u2019s introductory chapter: \u2018Why Study Religions?\u2019 in The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion<\/em> (pp. 5-20). If you enjoy this chapter then continue reading as the other chapters in this book provide gateways into the various (sub)fields of Religious Studies that you\u2019ll engage with during your degree.<\/p>\n The module \u2018Introduction to East Asian Traditions\u2019 provides an historical introduction to the philosophical, religious and cultural traditions of East Asia. Charles Holcombe\u2019s book is a useful foundation for understanding \u201cEast Asia\u201d as a cultural sphere. The book also provides excellent historical background information on China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam and raises a series of important questions that we\u2019ll explore further in the module.<\/p>\n In the module \u2018Introduction to Judaism and Islam\u2019 you\u2019ll be expected to look beyond media representations of Muslims and instead engage with the lived experiences of Muslim\u2019s today. This collection of essays asks the reader: \u201cWhen was the last time you heard a Muslim woman speak for herself without a filter? Or outside the white gaze? On her own terms? Or outside the narrative built around us by the media and governments?\u201d and, in response, centres the voices and stories of 17 Muslim women.<\/p>\n The module \u2018Ethics, Society and the Good Life\u2019 will provide a cross-cultural introduction and exploration of philosophical, religious and cultural traditions which have shaped and informed historical and contemporary ethical judgements and notions of the good life. This book is a collection of 15 essays and each author provides a personal account outlining what it means to live a good life in the contemporary world. As you read the essays, you may find yourself asking \u201chow do I live an ethical life?\u201d<\/p>\n Comparative philosophy is a hot topic. Yet, there are still scholars who question the existence of philosophy in non-Western parts of the globe. In the module \u2018The Global Search for Meaning\u2019 you\u2019ll have the opportunity to look at and beyond Western religious traditions and philosophies in order to engage with different forms of meaning-making. Bryan Van Norden\u2019s compelling book is a useful starting point and outlines the need to take non-Western philosophy seriously.<\/p>\n If you prefer to listen and learn, then tune into the following podcasts (for free):<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/a>Holcombe, Charles. (2017) A History of East Asia: From the Origins of Civilization to the Twenty First Century.<\/em> Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>Khan, Mariam. (2019) It\u2019s Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race. <\/em>London: Picador. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>Pigliucci, Massimo & Cleary, Skye. (eds.) (2020) How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy. <\/em>New York: Random House. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>Van Norden, Bryan. (2017) Taking Philosophy Back: A Multicultural Manifesto.<\/em> New York: Columbia University Press.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>Studying Religion at Kent: A Student and Staff Podcast<\/a> does what it says on the tin \u2013 it\u2019s a student led podcast that discusses student experiences of Religious Studies at the University of Kent. If you\u2019re wondering what to expect when you start then tune in and hear directly from current students. This podcast is relatively new so keep an eye out for up-and-coming episodes!<\/p>\n<\/a>The Religious Studies Podcast<\/a> explores contemporary issues in the academic study of religion. This weekly podcast features Religious Studies scholars from around the world and seeks to address big questions such as, \u201cwhy are women more religious than men?<\/a>\u201d, \u201cwhat is a cult?<\/a>\u201d, and \u201chow can we decolonise the study of religion?<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/a>The Sacred<\/a> by Theos<\/em> is a podcast about our values, the stories that shape us and how we can build empathy and understanding between people who are different. Each episode features someone with a public voice, from academics to journalists, and playwrights to politicians. Dr Lois Lee, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies here at Kent has been featured and you can listen to her episode here<\/a>.<\/p>\n