3402
Psychology of Religion
Course description
The course introduces the main psychological theories that have been used to understand human religious experience, cognition, and behaviour. The distinctive nature of psychological concepts and methods, especially their reliance on empirical data, will be made clear throughout. A range of theoretical approaches are considered: depth psychologies; social psychology; cognitive psychology; evolutionary psychology; health and clinical psychology. Topics covered include continuity and change of religious faith over the lifespan; religious conversion; mystical experience; religion and social identity; the influence of religion on moral behaviour; the relationship between religion and mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Aims
- To provide an overview of the main issues in the psychological study of religion that reflects contemporary developments in psychological research and theory.
- To introduce the use of methods from the human and biological sciences in the study of religion as a human phenomenon.
- To encourage the application of the course material to theological study and reflection.
Objectives
On completion of the course of lectures and tutorials, students will:
(a)Be familiar with the main psychological accounts of religion and spirituality as distinct from those offered by other disciplines;
(b)Be aware of the main theoretical and methodological approaches in contemporary scientific psychology and related disciplines (such as cognitive neuroscience)
(c)Have a greater understanding of specific religious phenomena, and have critically examined the strengths and weaknesses of psychological approach to elucidating them
(d)Have strengthened transferable skills, particularly in the area of critical analysis, the use of evidence, and working across disciplines
An interest in interdisciplinary perspectives on religion is desirable.
8 lectures are designed to introduce students to the core issues and questions on the main topics in the field and 8 tutorials are opportunities to study in greater depth the selected topics as well as focus on the questions of particular interest.
Assessment
One 3 hour written examination
Key texts
Hood, R., Hill, P., & Spilka, B. (2009). The psychology of religion: An empirical approach.New York: Guilford.
Paloutzian, R.Park, C. (2005/15). Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality. New York, Guilford
Pargament, K. (1997). The psychology of religion and coping. New York, Guilford.
Slone, D.J. (2005). Religion and cognition: A reader. Abingdon: Routledge.
Watts, F. (2002). Theology and psychology. Farnham: Ashgate.
Wulff, D. (1997). Psychology of religion: Classic and contemporary. New York: Wiley.
Main journals
Mental Health, Religion and Culture
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
International Journal for the Psychology of Religion
Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
Archive for the Psychology of Religion