Philosophy of Religion: Nature and Contemplation

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

Degree of Bachelor or completed courses of at least 180 credits at first cycle level, of which at least 90 credits with progression in some main field of study where it is included a bachelor's thesis of at least 15 credits. Qualified are also those that have equivalent foreign education or that have equivalent prior knowledge according to earlier study regulation.

Furthermore, knowledge corresponding to English 6 is required

Throughout the history of Western thinking, nature has been approached as a reality pregnant with meaning beyond its mere surface appearance. A variety of metaphors has been used to convey this: Nature as book, as hieroglyph, as Isis the veiled goddess, as theatre of divine glory, as work of art, to name but a few.

This course is devoted to exploring such more contemplative approaches to nature in relation to their historical, scientific, and theological contexts, and with a view to how they may perhaps still be relevant and even urgently needed. With an emphasis on key readings from the history of philosophy and theology, as well as select secondary literature, the course offers both theoretical development and practice in the activity of philosophizing.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• give a theoretically well-grounded account of ways in which nature has been understood in the Western tradition of thought broadly construed
• describe ways in which the perception and contemplation of nature has been incorporated into various philosophical and theological traditions

Competence and skills

• present and discuss key notions and practises pertaining to the tradition of natural contemplation
• interpret primary philosophical and theological texts informed by relevant secondary sources and contemporary research

Judgement and approach

• discuss and critically evaluate approaches to nature in the Western tradition and how they impact contemporary construals of the relation between humanity and nature
• reflect philosophically on human beings' relation to the natural world and on the critical ecological issues facing humanity

The course is conducted in the form of seminars, which are mandatory. Lectures may also be offered.

The language of instruction is normally English, but if all students understand Swedish the teacher may use the Swedish instead.

The course is assessed through participation in seminar discussion, as well as through individual written assignments.

The student is required to retain a copy of home assignments until they are graded and returned.

The one who submits a home assignment after the stipulated time has not the right to have it assessed, but must submit it at the next reexamination or obtain a re-examination at another occasion.

For a student who has failed examination, possibility for new test at no more than four occasions is given.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For the final grade Pass with distinction, it is required that a student, in a particularly productive, critical, and reflective way, has shown knowledge and proficiency in accordance with the intended learning outcomes of the course.

The grade Pass cannot be changed to Failed on the student's request.

A student who has passed an examination may not participate in a re-examination for higher grades.

The student has neither the right to revoke a submitted examination to avoid grading.

The examiner has the possibility to request in supplementary qualifications of examination for the grade Pass. The supplementary assignment should in such cases be
communicated the student in writing and be handed in within the teacher's stipulate time.

The department is responsible for carrying out course evaluations systematically and regularly and for seeing to it that they are compiled in accordance with the regulations for course evaluations at The Department of literature, history of ideas and religion.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

In addition to stated expected learning outcomes, the student in the course should, when relevant, be encouraged to make assessments with regard to gender equality and equality aspects, as well as to be attentive to ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable development.