RESA4204 – Body, Structural Violence and Religious Healing
Course content
Globalization is the most macro of all discourses that we have available to us. That of the body is surely the most micro. Globalization and the body operate at opposite ends of the spectrum used to understand social, religious and political life. Drawing on a wide range of literature from various sources: religious studies, medical anthropology, and political economy the course explores the connections between the body, religion and the global economy.
The lectures and seminars will follow three major strands of inquiry: First an introduction to the vulnerability of the human body and the religious, political and medical language used to understand it. Second: By focusing upon health we explore the body as an analytical category. The body is here defined as social constructed and hence to be understood in socioeconomic context. The body is revealed as a measure of a world of inequality and the global political and economic forces that maintain that inequality. Our third and last strand of inquiry is healing as religious practice in order to understand how religions addresses matters of suffering, affliction, life and death.
Learning outcome
The broad aim of this course is threefold:
- Introduce the students to different perspectives of how to understand religion and healing in the contemporary world.
- Students will, gain insight into different approaches for how to link analytically global forces, religion and the individual body.
- The course is designed to stimulate academic thought as expressed verbally and in the written form.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.Teaching
Obligatory requirements
During the term each student will complete and present to small essays (1000 words each) on two separate themes within the syllabus literature.
Examination
Home examination lasting for three days (some 3000-4000 words).
Language of examination
The exam questions are in English and Norwegian and can be answered in English or Norwegian.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.