The C.P. Tiele Student & Staff Seminar is the main locus of interaction between current students and staff and their learned predecessors. Its bi-weekly meetings are devoted to re-reading the classics of the Study of Religion and exploring their importance for modern developments in the Study of Religions. This year, we will read Rudolf Otto’s The Idea of the Holy (Das Heilige) in the first semester, with its famous (or notorious) position that religion can only be studied by those who are religious. The reading for the spring semester will be decided together with the students.
Method of instruction
*Bi—weekly meetings: 24 × 2 hours (48 hours) *Bi-weekly reading assignments: 24 × 4 hours (72 hours) *Presentation (20 hours)
Total: 140 hours
Examination
Participation & presentation
Required reading
R. Otto, The Idea of the Holy, Oxford 1920 (repr. 1968 etc.)
Admission
In addition to the general rules set for admission to the master program Religious Studies, students are expected to have basic knowledge of Anthropology and Sociology of Religion, and of Philosophy of Science. A working knowledge of the English language, and a basic training in writing essays and performing presentations is necessary.
This course is compulsory for all students who pursue a MA track ‘Comparative Religion’.
Comments
Prospective students of this course are advised to contact the instructors at least one month before the program will start.
*A.F. de Jong: a.f.de.jong@religion.leidenuniv.nl *W. Hofstee: w.hofstee@religion.leidenuniv.nl