HIGHEST TEACHINGQUALITY OUTSTANDING

STUDENT EXPERIENCESUPERB GRADUATE

EMPLOYABILITY INNOVATIONAT THE HEART OF THE

UNIVERSITY

The University of HullHull, HU6 7RX, UK0870 126 2000admissions@hull.ac.uk

www.hull.ac.uk

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The University of Hull

Religion and theology

ContentsReligion and theology at Hull 1

Full-time BA degrees 3

BA Ethics, Religionand Educational Studies 4

Part-time courses 4

Module outlines 6

Admissions and postgraduate study 7

Careers 8

Key factsDegree course UCAS code Standard offerAmerican Studies and Religion TV76 BA/ASRT 240 pointsDrama and Religion VW64 BA/DT 280 pointsEnglish and Religion QV36 BA/ET 300 pointsEthics, Religion and Educational Studies VX63 BA/ERES 240 pointsFrench and Religion RV16 BA/FTR 260 points†German and Religion RV26 BA/GTR 260 points†Hispanic Studies and Religion RV46 BA/HSTR 260 points†History and Religion VV16 BA/HRT 280 pointsItalian and Religion RV36 BA/IRT 260 points†Philosophy and Religion VV56 BA/PhT 280 pointsReligion V620 BA/R 240 pointsReligion and Film Studies VP63 BA/TF 260 pointsReligion, Media and Culture VP6H BA/RMC 220 pointsReligion and Politics VL62 BA/RP 280 pointsReligion and Sociology LV36 BA/ST 260 points

† with one A level in any language

NB:You are not required to take Religious Studies A/AS level; however, if you do take it,a minimum of B or C is normally required, depending on the degree in question.

We also encourage applications from students with qualifications other than A/AS level.

Religion and Theology staffDavid Bagchi, MA, DPhil (Oxon), FRHistSteaches the history of Christian thought. Research: the Reformation, especially Luther.

Paul Dearey, BA (Trinity College, Dublin), MA (Pittsburgh)teaches Christian social ethics.

Revd Canon L S Deas, MA (Oxon)teaches NewTestament Greek.

David de Vernyis the University’s Anglican Chaplain and teaches applied theology.

Professor L L Grabbe, MA (Pasadena), PhD (Claremont), DD (Hull)teaches Old Testament and early Judaism. Research: early Judaism; Northwest Semiticphilology; history of Israel.

D R M Mariau, L ès L, M en Phil (Paris), PhD (Aix-en-Prov)teaches Indian religions and philosophy of religion. Research: yoga; Indian theories ofmeaning.

Fr Jim O’Brien, MA, BD, HDipEdis the University’s Roman Catholic Chaplain and lectures in NewTestament.

Enquiries to

Professor Lester GrabbeReligion and TheologyThe University of HullHull, HU6 7RX, UKT 01482 465995E l.l.grabbe@hull.ac.uk

Regularly updated information on allaspects of religion and theology at Hullcan be obtained from our website atwww.hull.ac.uk/theol.

If you have a UCAS personal ID, pleasemention it in all correspondence.

Religionand theology

Religion and theology at Hull

This pamphlet is designed to introduce you to the study ofreligion and theology at Hull and to the various courses weoffer.Whether your interest lies in theology/religion as afirst degree, or in graduate courses or research, or in part-time study, we hope that your initial questions will beanswered here.Whatever your reasons for considering Hullas a place to do theology/religion, you will find that it offersa number of distinct advantages:

Excellent teachingIn the National Student Survey 2008, some 90% of Hullstudents taking philosophy, theology and religious studiesreported that they found their courses intellectuallystimulating.The quality of theology teaching at Hull wasdeclared ‘excellent’ by the Quality Assurance Agency in2001.

ChoiceOur undergraduate courses provide for a wide choice ofsubjects, reflecting the range of disciplines and skills whichtheology and religion involve.We also offer postgraduatesupervision in most areas.This breadth is underpinned bythe teaching staff ’s research, which has been officiallyrecognised as being of national and internationalsignificance.

Individual attentionDespite the range of subjects we offer, we remain a smalldepartment committed to small-group teaching and toensuring individual attention.

The city of HullThere is much in the city itself to spark the theologicalimagination. One cannot walk far through its streetswithout encountering evidence of the vital role that religionhas played here. Holy Trinity, the largest parish church inEngland, and the imposing Minster in nearby Beverley testifyto the vitality of medieval Christianity.As a radicalProtestant city, Hull closed its gates on King Charles I andprecipitated the CivilWar. On evangelical Christianprinciples, its Member of ParliamentWilliamWilberforcesuccessfully campaigned against the slave trade.Today thecity is host to a variety of faiths, reflecting Britain’s widermulticultural society.

The departmentTheology has been taught at Hull since the early 1950s, andthe department can boast such distinguished formermembers as R NWhybray (Old Testament),A T Hanson(NewTestament and the early Church) and James Atkinson(Reformation).An original focus on the Judaeo-Christiantradition has been broadened over the years, so that thereis now expertise in Buddhism and Hinduism, modernJudaism and Islam, and the modern religious scene ingeneral.

Our teaching has been recognised as ‘excellent’: in the 2001QAA Review, it scored 23 points out of 24, placing it equalsecond among departments in England.The reviewersparticularly praised the high-quality teaching, the cordialstaff–student relations, the extent to which student viewsare taken into account in improving teaching, and theexceptionally high numbers of students who go into workor further study on completing their degrees here.

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The range of topicsA particular feature of religion and theology at Hull is the choiceyou will have as an undergraduate: in your second and thirdyears, you have a great deal of freedom to design your owndegree (with guidance from your supervisor if necessary) fromavailable modules.The first year provides a coherent groundingfor later study, and ensures that choices are made on aninformed basis.

AccessWe are also committed to wider access.Thirty percent of ourstudents are returning to study after a number of years away,some to take up an interest that they may long have wanted topursue, others to improve their career prospects.They are fullyintegrated, taking the same classes as our younger students.Theresult is an invigorating mix of ages, experience and interestswhich adds to the liveliness of debate and to the vitality of thedepartment. Mature students are valued members of ouracademic community.They flourish here, and have been amongour highest achievers. (For details of part-time courses, seepages 4 and 7.)

Teaching methodsAs a relatively small department (there are currently about 75undergraduates), we can ensure that most of our teaching isdone in small groups, and that lecturers can give you individualguidance whenever needed. A combination of lectures andtutorials is used for most modules, while others are based onseminars. A typical weekly timetable includes attendance at sixlectures and two tutorials or seminars.

Much of the teaching is based on discussion and debate withstaff and with other students.These methods train you not onlyto assimilate and analyse information, but also to formulate anddefend reasoned positions – all valuable skills in the wider world.That they work is suggested by the impressive results ourgraduates have attained, and by the wide range of careers theyembark on.

In your final undergraduate year, you will have the opportunityto write a dissertation on a topic of your choice.This will allowyou to apply and develop the skills of research andargumentation acquired throughout your degree.

The final degree classification is based only on the modulestaken in the second and third years. Each module has its ownmethod of assessment: some are examined in the traditionalmanner by an unseen paper, some use coursework exclusively,and others involve a combination of the two. Our studentsappreciate the flexibility and choice that this system gives.

SupportHull is known as a friendly university, and the size of ourdepartment means that you will not be treated as just anotheranonymous unit: little wonder that the QAA has commentedfavourably on the ‘family atmosphere’ that prevails. Lecturers arealways happy to give individual advice if needed; in addition, eachstudent is assigned a personal supervisor to help guide themthrough their studies. Regular informal social events are arrangedwithin the department, and students run their own TheologySociety, which arranges parties, dinners, outings, second-handbook sales and sporting fixtures.The departmental Staff–StudentCommittee, which has a student Chair, meets three times a year.Here student representatives can raise questions and concernsabout their courses and help form departmental policy. Andthrough meetings of the Hull and District Theological Society,you will have the opportunity to hear distinguished visitingscholars lecturing on a wide range of issues. We aim to providea challenging but supportive learning environment.

The libraryThe religion collection of the Brynmor Jones Library isremarkably well stocked, with particular strengths in biblicalsubjects and early Church history. It ranges from books datingback to the infancy of printing to the latest numbers ofinternational journals, from medieval ecclesiastical records to thearchives of the 20th-century Christian Socialists.The library itselfis an airy, modern building, commanding impressive views overthe city, the countryside and the River Humber. Many studentsprefer to write and read here, away from the bustle of theirlodgings.

Hull students also have access to the collections of theScarborough Campus library, which is particularly strong in theareas of Indian religions and Islam.

Free-access networked PC workstations are scattered liberallythroughout both campuses, providing access to many sites ofacademic interest on the web.

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BA Single Honours• Religion V620• Ethics, Religion and Educational Studies VX63 (see page 4)

You choose five modules from the list below, plus one otherfrom the list or a free elective

BA Joint Honours• American Studies TV76• Drama VW64• English QV36• Film Studies VP63• French RV16• German RV26• Hispanic Studies RV46• History VV16• Italian RV36• Media and Culture VP6H• Philosophy VV56• Politics VL62• Sociology LV36

You have a choice of certain core modules plus a wide range ofoptions.

A sample of our theology/religion modulesNote: Not all modules are offered each year, and no languagemodule is compulsory.

01 Introduction to Theology02 Theology of the First Testament03 Introduction to the New Testament04 The Christian Tradition05 The Buddhist Tradition06 The Hindu Tradition07 Biblical Hebrew or NT Greek or Sanskrit08 Classical and Biblical Themes in English Literature09 Religion in the Ancient World

10 Topics in the Philosophy of Religion11 Classical Yoga12 Indian Philosophy13 Buddhist Ethics14 Natural Theology15 American Religion16 Old Testament Wisdom Tradition17 Old Testament Wisdom Texts18 Prophetic Literature19 Prophecy and Apocalyptic20 Prolegomena to a History of Israel21 Ancient Israel and its Neighbours22 Paul’s Letters to the Church at Corinth23 The Gospel According to St Mark24 Christian Thought to Nicaea25 Christian Thought from Nicaea to Chalcedon26 Theology of the European Reformation27 Theology of the English Reformation28 History of Christian Ethics29 Contemporary Ethical Problems

30 The Social Doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church31 The Doctrine of the Trinity32 Creation and Evolution33 The Church as Communion34 Symbol and Sacrament

35 Biblical Hebrew or NT Greek or Sanskrit36 Hindu Tantra37 Philosophy and Cultures: An introduction to the Politics of

Truth38 History and Thought of the Early Church (not with 24 & 25)39 Theology of the Reformation (not with 26 & 27)40 Philosophical Theology41 Faith and Truth42 Theology on Film43 Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust44 Interpreting Religious Practice

45 The Labyrinth of Existence: Metaphysical Fiction46 Religious Sectarianism in History and the Modern World47 Martin Luther, 1500–2548 Luther and his Legacy49 Judaism and the New Testament50 Dissertation

Full-time BA degrees

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BA Ethics,Religion andEducational Studies

Part-time courses

The degree course is designed to allow you to acquireknowledge of both ethical theories and major world religions,and of the educational principles involved in these subjects.

You will learn the various ways in which curricula are developedto meet the needs of students of religion and ethics.The coursetakes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding theinterplay of ethics, religion and education.You will acquire arange of marketable skills such as independent learning, criticalthinking, research ability, tolerance of different religious beliefsand philosophies of life, as well as evaluative and argumentativeskills.

In the first year you will learn how developmental factors, as wellas social and cultural factors, affect learning.You will examineformative cultural influences on philosophical thought, andinvestigate the formation of central moral concepts.You will alsolearn about the study of religion as an academic discipline, itsscope, methods and content.

In the second year you will gain a thorough understanding of thecentral questions in moral philosophy and the main response tothem.You will gain knowledge of the ethical guidelines that areimportant in educational practice. And you will have theopportunity to study the ethics of at least one major religioustradition.

In the third year you will have the opportunity to reflect on andevaluate your own learning as you prepare for a workplacement and for employment or further study.The workplacement gives you experience of an educational setting andintroduces you to the skills required for different types oflearning.You will continue to study moral and religious questionsat an advanced level.

Certificate in ReligionThis course is for those with no formal background intheology.

Your first year• Islam: An Introduction

Plus one of• The Buddhist Tradition• Study Skills

Your second year• Introduction to Religion in Antiquity• Introduction to the New Testament

Plus one of• The Buddhist Tradition• The Hindu Tradition• Classical and Biblical Themes in English Literature or a Study

Skills module

Diploma in ReligionThis course is for those with the Certificate or an equivalentqualification.

Your first and second yearsChoose two modules in each year from modules 10–34 onpage 3. Choose a third module in each year from modules35–44 on page 3.

Bachelor of Theology degreeThis course is for those with the Diploma or an equivalentqualification.

Your first and second yearsChoose two modules in each year from modules 10–34 and45–49 on page 3. Choose a third module in each year frommodules 35–44 and 50 on page 3.

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Abby LesterBA History andTheology/Religion

Choosing Hull was easy forme: when I first came on anopen day, I knew I’d reallyenjoy my time here.Andthat’s how it has workedout.The staff are friendlyand helpful; and, becausethe department isn’tmassive, I really feel like mylecturers know me and wantme to achieve.

Because of my experience oftheology at Hull, I’vedecided to train to be anRE teacher.The wide rangeof topics offered here – fromthe Christian tradition toIndian Philosophy – meantthat, when it came to myteacher-training interview, Istood out from otherapplicants on account of mybroader subject knowledge.

Academic studies aside, Ihave fully immersed myselfin student life! Thanks toour really strong students’union, I’ve been involved inlots of activities, includingplaying netball for theUniversity, volunteeringwith disadvantaged childrenand enjoying the odd boogiein the Asylum nightclub.

Overall I have loved mytime here and wouldrecommend Hull toeverybody!

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Module outlines

First-year core modulesThe Buddhist Tradition explores the fundamental tenets ofBuddha Dhamma and the unfolding of the tradition in South andSouth-East Asia, China,Tibet, Korea and Japan.

Introduction to Religion in Antiquity surveys the field in thelight of recent scholarship.The foundation laid here serves asnecessary background for more advanced modules.The HebrewBible and ancient Israel function as an important example.

Introduction to the NewTestament surveys the history andtheology of the writings which entered the canon of the ‘NewTestament’, considered in their social, cultural and historicalsetting.

Islam:An Introduction examines the main tenets of belief andliving in the modern world.

First-year optionThe Hindu Tradition examines Hinduism’s world-view, ethos andsocial structure from scriptural and anthropological perspectives.

Some second- and third-year modulesTopics in the Philosophy of Religion critically examines somecentral aspects of belief and practice.

History of Ancient Israel looks at available sources andconcentrates on historical methods needed to investigate theearly history of a country whose origins are still a mystery.

Prophetic Literature introduces the concept of prophecy as aliterary and social phenomenon in the light of current research.

Paul’s Letters to the Church at Corinth examines I and IICorinthians, exploring the principal theological issues in theletters.

Christian Thought to Nicaea explores the opportunities andproblems that early Christians faced in conveying their messageto the Gentile world and developing their thought in terms ofthe dominant Hellenistic philosophy.

Theology of the European Reformation investigates thereligious forces behind one of the foremost events in Europeanhistory, traced through the Protestant, Radical and Catholicreformations, and their common roots in the late Middle Ages.

Contemporary Ethical Problems studies ethical issues which areimportant in the theological understanding of human existenceand which reflect the influence of science, technology,communications and education in the modern world.

The Church as Communion examines a leading ecclesiology incontemporary Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant theologies.Different versions of this ecclesiology are explored and theirrelative merits assessed in terms of what they imply concerningthe eucharist, episcopacy and ecumenism.

The Doctrine of Creation is often perceived as contradictingscientific knowledge about the origins of the universe and abouthuman nature.This module looks at the intellectual influencesbehind this perception and develops the case that the doctrinecan be meaningfully examined as true.

Theology on Film considers the ways in which film hasattempted to portray religious figures and to develop orchallenge religious beliefs and values, and the ways in whichsome recent popular films have been subjected to a theologicalcritique.

The Doctrine of the Trinity examines the central Christiandoctrine of the triune God, linking it to our understanding of thepersonal character of human existence.

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BA Single and Joint HonoursOnce you apply you will be invited to visit the department for anopen day in January or March, so that you can see the Universitybefore committing yourself. If you are a Joint Honours applicant,the other department may also invite you to its open day, inwhich case you can choose to attend the one more convenientto you. If you are not able to attend one of the scheduled days,you are welcome to make a private appointment (contact thesecretary on 01482 465995). We may interview some applicants.

The entry requirements will vary depending on the degree forwhich you are applying. Our normal offers are given on the innerfront cover, but we encourage applications from those withqualifications other than A/AS levels (both from the UK and fromoverseas), from mature applicants and from those intending todefer entry for a year.

We do not ask for A/AS level Religious Studies; but if you take itwe expect you to gain a C or a B, depending on the course.

Certificate/Diploma in Religion and Bachelor ofTheologyWe already have a significant proportion of mature students inour BA courses. For those mature students who live in andaround East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, there is anopportunity to study part-time as well.Three options arepossible, depending on your individual background and previousacademic experience.

The Certificate is specially designed for those who have noformal qualifications in theology.The Diploma in Religion andBachelor of Theology presuppose the equivalent of one year’sand two years’ full-time study at university level respectively. Allapplicants for our part-time courses are interviewed todetermine their commitment to, interest in and aptitude for studyat university level.

In all three courses you will take normal undergraduate modules,though we try to arrange things so that most students need tobe free only two half-days per week for the lectures and tutorials.(Naturally, you need to allow extra time for study both at homeand in the library.)

Postgraduate studyWe offer two Masters degrees for those who already possess agood Honours degree in religion or theology: the general MA(which can be adapted to the particular interests and needs ofthe student) and the research MA (with a greater emphasis onthe acquisition of research skills and on research itself). Both maybe taken full-time for one year or part-time for two. For thosewithout a religion or theology degree, entry to the general MA ispossible by registering for the Postgraduate Diploma in the firstinstance.

We also offer research degrees (the MPhil and PhD) in all themajor areas of religion and theology. Applicants are expected topossess at least a good second class Honours degree in religionor theology, and to propose a project capable of beingsupervised by a member of staff.The research degrees may betaken full-time or part-time.

Enquiries and applicationsApplications for the BA Single and Joint Honours degrees shouldbe made through UCAS, even by overseas applicants.You canapproach UCAS either through your school or college, orindependently via www.ucas.com.

If you have any queries about the full-time or part-time courses,including postgraduate opportunities, please contact

Professor Lester GrabbeRelligion and TheologyThe University of HullHull, HU6 7RX, UKT 01482 465995E l.l.grabbe@hull.ac.uk

Admissions and postgraduate study

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Careers

Students of theology/religion can expect to enjoy a higher rateof employment (and a lower rate of unemployment sixmonths after graduation) than the average graduate.This iscertainly true of Hull theologians, who in recent years havegone into careers as diverse as accountancy, computing, law,librarianship, journalism, the Christian ministry, the armedforces, personnel management, the probation service,publishing, the police force and teaching.

This is not surprising. Like any arts subject, theology/religiondevelops your capacity for independent thought, analysis,problem solving, and responsiveness to new situations. Manyemployers are looking for these qualities rather than forspecialised knowledge: they’ll teach you the relevant skills, butthey need people with the right sort of intellectual equipment inthe first place.Theology/religion is certainly a subject which candevelop that.

If you come to Hull as a student, our Careers Service will bevery willing to help you at any stage of your course.They will behappy to discuss the careers best suited to you personally andwill also be able to put you in touch with possible employers orprovide information on relevant courses.

What sort of subjects can I take?You can take almost any free electivemodule from outside your main course ofstudy, usually at your home campus.You caneven take a module from another faculty.You should discuss your choice of freeelectives with your supervisor.

Year 1• Cities and Civilisations: Art and

Archaeology in Context• Managing your Learning• Anarchism and Contemporary Global

Protest

Year 2• Art and the City: Rome, Amsterdam,

London, Paris and New York, 1600–2000• European Women’s History: Medieval to

Modern• The Middle Ages go to the Movies

Year 3• Psychology of Performance• Passport modules in foreign languages

What are the main reasons forparticipating?• The scheme gives you the opportunity

to study a subject without having tocommit yourself to taking furthermodules in that subject area.

• By taking a free elective you are able tofollow up your interests as part of yourdegree.

• With a broader education you mayacquire extra skills that will help youwhen you enter the employment market.

SEMESTER 2

20 credits

20 credits

20credits

20 credits

20 credits

SEMESTER 1

Here you take modules fromyour main course of study.

Here you have the option to takea free elective or another modulefrom your main course of study.

20credits

Studying for a degree at Hull is a unique experience.We aim toprovide you with an education that offers both depth andbreadth of knowledge.To meet these ends the University hasdeveloped an optional Free Elective Scheme.This scheme enablesthe majority of undergraduate students to take one module ayear from outside their main course of study.

So, how does it work?Each year you take 120 credits’ worth of modules.

Free Elective Scheme

Admissions policyAdmissions information provided in thispamphlet is intended as a general guide andcannot cover all possibilities. Entryrequirements are generally stated in termsof A level grades and/or UCAS points, butwe encourage applications from peoplewith a wide range of other qualificationsand/or experience. Some further details ofthe various entry routes are included inour general prospectus. Please contact theAdmissions Service (see below) with anyspecific queries about admissions.

DisclaimerThis pamphlet is intended principally as aguide for applicants.The matters coveredby it – academic and otherwise – aresubject to change from time to time bothbefore and after students are admitted.While every reasonable precaution wastaken in the production of this pamphlet,the University does not accept liability forany inaccuracies or changes. Informationrelating to study programmes is issued forthe general guidance of students enteringthe University and does not form part ofany contract.The University hopes toprovide the courses and facilities described,but reserves the right to withdraw or tomake alterations to courses and facilities ifnecessary.

AddressFor general enquiries, please write to

Admissions ServiceThe University of HullHull, HU6 7RXT 01482 466100F 01482 442290E admissions@hull.ac.uk

Dates of semestersFor the current semester dates please visitour website at www.hull.ac.uk/hulluniversity/semesterdates.