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Root number
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512566 |
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Semester
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HS2025 |
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Type of course
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Exercise |
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Allocation to subject
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Religious Studies |
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Type of exam
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Presentation |
| Title |
Methods of empirical religious research |
| Description |
The seminar introduces students to empirical research methods used in the academic study of religion, with a strong emphasis on qualitative approaches. Drawing on foundational readings in fieldwork methodology, observation, interviewing, document analysis, and research ethics, students will explore how to design and carry out empirical studies of religious beliefs, practices, and communities. Students will engage critically with core texts, including Bechhofer and Paterson on structured questionnaires, Burgess and Ciesielska et al. on field research and observation methods, and Coffey on document analysis. Additional readings from Denscombe and Saldana provide guidance on grounded theory, coding, and the effective use of qualitative data, while Gilliat-Ray et al. and Burgess offer frameworks for addressing ethical challenges in religious research settings.
The seminar also integrates theoretical reflections, such as those from Engler and Stausberg on the relationship between methods, methodology, and the study of religion, and Ward’s discussion of the often uneasy interface between theology and qualitative research. Students will be able to design empirical studies, formulate research questions, and apply appropriate methods such as interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. They will also develop skills in data interpretation, coding, and research writing. Throughout the course, attention will be given to reflexivity, ethical sensitivity, and the practical challenges of researching within diverse religious contexts.
During the phase between study blocks students will engage in practical empirical research in groups. The findings and fieldwork reflections will be presented during the second study block in December.
For preparatory literature, see Ilias. |
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ILIAS-Link (Learning resource for course)
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Registrations are transmitted from CTS to ILIAS (no admission in ILIAS possible).
ILIAS
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Link to another web site
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| Lecturers |
Dr.
Daniel Alejandro Jara Jhayya, Institute of Historic Theology - Ancient History of Christianity and Interreligious Encounters ✉
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ECTS
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3 |
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Recognition as optional course possible
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Yes |
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Grading
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1 to 6 |
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| Dates |
Monday 15/9/2025 19:15-21:00
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Friday 10/10/2025 14:15-19:00
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Saturday 11/10/2025 09:15-14:00
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Friday 5/12/2025 14:15-19:00
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Saturday 6/12/2025 09:15-14:00
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| Rooms |
Seminarraum F -102, Hörraumgebäude Unitobler
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| External rooms |
Via Zoom
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| Students please consult the detailed view for complete information on dates, rooms and planned podcasts. |
User:
Öffentlicher Bereich
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