2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Social and Human Sciences Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
Graduate Methodologies in Culture and Arts S1B
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences
- Instructor(s)
- Carla Tronu
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Tue (M-102(H115))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- SHS.U464
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Students in this course will read key texts on spatial theory and methodology in the field of religious studies and analyze the way in which authors connect their case studies with previous and their own theoretical framework and research methods. Students will learn to think critically about the readings and reflect about their own field's research methods. By learning about the spatial approach to religion, students will develop their ability to identify and critically analyze theoretical approaches and methods in other research fields.
Course description and aims
At the end of the course students will be able
- To identify the differences among various authors writing on spatial theory in religious studies.
- To critically evaluate the authors' theories and methods.
- To reflect on theories and methods in other research fields (in the student's research field).
- To acquire the ability to present and discuss critically
Keywords
spatial theory, space, religion, presentation, group discussion
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Classes will be conducted in seminar style.
In each class, the presenter will give a presentation on a reading, followed by group discussion.
In the last class, each student will make a final presentation about a case study that uses a spatial approach or a reading on spatial theory that interests her/him, with a reflection on her/his own research topic or field, followed by group discussion.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction to spatial theory. Groups work. |
To understand the goals and flow of the course and to have a first contact to various approaches to spatial theory in religious studies' research methods. |
| Class 2 | Presentations on readings. Group Discussion. |
To understand and critically evaluate readings, make questions and comments, and prepare for the final presentation. |
| Class 3 | Presentations on readings. Group Discussion. |
To understand and critically evaluate readings, make questions and comments, and prepare for the final presentation. |
| Class 4 | Presentations on readings. Group Discussion. |
To understand and critically evaluate readings, make questions and comments, and prepare for the final presentation. |
| Class 5 | Presentations on readings. Group Discussion. |
To understand and critically evaluate readings, make questions and comments, and prepare for the final presentation. |
| Class 6 | Presentations on readings. Group Discussion. |
To understand and critically evaluate readings, make questions and comments, and prepare for the final presentation. |
| Class 7 | Final presentations. Group Discussion. |
To understand and connect all the readings and reflect on a case study and on one's own research methods. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
No textbook will be used.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Reading materials will be introduced in class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
50% Active participation in class discussions
50% Presentation and assignments
Related courses
- SHS.U463 ： Graduate Methodologies in Culture and Arts S1A
- SHS.U461 ： Graduate Methodologies in Culture and Arts S1
- SHS.U462 ： Graduate Methodologies in Culture and Arts F1
Prerequisites
English proficiency to read, make presentations and discussions.
No previous knowledge on religious studies or spatial theory is necessary. Students of all research fields are wellcome.
Other
Please read the relevant materials in advance. (Students who have not read them, will not be allowed to participate in class.)