Religion, Media and Culture: Religion and Modern Literature in South Asia and Eastern
Europe

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of a specific topic within the study of religion that illuminates the relationship between religion, media, and culture. The course introduces key concepts and approaches relevant to the study of religion, media and culture and the chosen topic. The topic may focus on different cultural contexts, forms of religion and media types, as well as contemporary society or historical perspectives.

Autumn 2026
The aim of the course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the relationship between religion and literature, based on selected examples from the literatures of South Asia and Eastern Europe. The course introduces key concepts and approaches relevant to the study of religion and literature.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

  • Has knowledge of research on the relationship between religion, media, and culture, as well as the topic’s key concepts, approaches, and characteristics.
  • Has knowledge of central topics and issues within the course and the selected empirical material.
  • Has knowledge of key approaches and concepts related to the study of media, religion, and culture.

Skills:

  • Is able to analyze a complex topic and draw independent conclusions.
  • Is able to critically evaluate theories, methods, and interpretations within the theme.
  • Is able to present their knowledge orally.

General Competence:

  • Has experience in managing large amounts of information and literature within a short time frame, and in interpreting and presenting information effectively.

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn and/or Spring (not fixed)

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

None

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

None

Access to the Course

The course is open to all students with study rights at the University of Bergen

Teaching and learning methods

Normally 10-15 lectures or seminars

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

None

Forms of Assessment

The course uses the following form of assessment:

Oral examination

Grading Scale

Letter grades from A to F, where F is fail.

Assessment Semester

Autumn and/or Spring. Assessment is offered during the teaching semester and the following semester.

Reading List

Approximately 1,200 pages. The reading list will be available on uib.no by June 1 for the autumn semester and December 1 for the spring semester. The reading list will vary depending on the theme taught.

Course Evaluation

Evaluations are conducted in accordance with UiB’s quality assurance system.

Examination Support Material

None

Programme Committee

Programme Board for the Study of Religion

Course Coordinator

Programme Board for the Study of Religion

Course Administrator

Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion