About Chinese Studies and Religious Studies, BA - at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Course Overview

The Religious studies part of the programme will offer students the opportunity to explore Religion as it relates to all aspects of human life. Religion has impacted on politics, society and the environment, and through its historical and contemporary influence it has shaped the world around us. Indeed, we cannot truly understand the world, and even ourselves, without comprehending religions in all their diversity. This course is designed to help students understand religions in their cultural, social, and historical contexts. You will examine the roles that religions play in the pressing issues of our era. The programme takes students beyond superficial media coverage of contemporary events into deeper issues of history, identity, and the implications of religious commitment for issues of world concern. The course covers an extensive array of contemporary, thematic and historical topics and a wide range of religious traditions. This gives students a real insight into the human condition and the multiplicity of religious beliefs and practices in the world. You will have an opportunity to visit places of worship and other sites of significance for the study of religion, culture and society, as well as acquiring practical, first-hand engagement with 'other' cultures and religions.

The Chinese Studies part of the programme will offer students modules examine China's economic development, its history, media, politics, philosophy and religions, both in ancient and in modern times. As part of this degree scheme, you will also have the opportunity to visit China and experience Chinese culture first-hand. You will have the opportunity to spend one year in China, generally at Beijing Union University, one of our Chinese partner institutions. All students have a further chance to apply for short-term language courses in China and scholarships administered by the Centre for Chinese Studies and the Confucius Institute.

Key Features

• Small classes with interactive learning
• Opportunity to construct your own degree scheme based on your favourite subjects
• Study abroad in China
• Training in research methods
• Use of local record office and museum resources
• Wide range of modules
• Dynamic classes exploring real world issues
• Transferable interpersonal skills
• Opportunity to develop independent research projects
• Opportunities to study abroad and to undertake volunteer work
• Taught by tutors who research and publish in their chosen fields
• Field trips and visits to archives and record offices
• Interdisciplinary approaches to study and understanding of the past

Modules

• Perspectives on Living Religions
• Abrahamic Faiths
• Asian Religious Traditions
• Introduction to Religion, Culture and Society
• International Study Tour
• Women and Religion
• Islam in the West
• Sects, Self and Society
• Introduction to Contemporary China
• Basic, Advanced and Classical Chinese
• Confucianism and Taoism
• Ancient and Modern Chinese History
• Chinese Religion and PhilosophyChinese Cinema
• Chinese Religion and Culture
• Imagining the Other: Theories of Religion
• Jesus through Faith and Culture
• Exploring Ritual
• Sex and Violence: Religion in the Modern World
• Satan and his World of Darkness
• Religions in Antiquity
• Media, Religion and Society

Course Tutor(s)

• Prof Bettina Schmidt
• Dr Sarah Lewis
• Associate Prof Thomas Jansen

Assessment

The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1000 to 4000 words in length, document analysis, book/ journal reviews, short reports and reflective journals, time tests, seen and unseen exams, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words, wiki's, commentaries and film evaluations.

Career Opportunities

You will develop powers of analysis, logical thought and argument within a supportive and encouraging environment. It will be these skills of communication, understanding, analysis and self-management that provide you with a passport into employment. Types of employment could include museum and archive work, journalism, law, banking, local politics, all types of administrative work, marketing and advertising, and teaching.

• Teaching/ education officer
• Local Government, community, local politics
• Journalism
• Law and advocacy
• Fund-raising, management consultancy, research
• Publishing
• Race relations, community, social work, caring professions
• Business
• Heritage (library, archives, museum, tourism)
• Postgraduate research
• Politics
• General administrative and management posts; civil service

Further Information

For any students considering studying BA Chinese Studies and Religious Studies at UWTSD it is worthwhile attending a Visit Day or Open Day. You can take a tour of the Lampeter campus, meet some students, and question the lecturers to get a comprehensive understanding of the university and its teaching. To find out more about forthcoming dates visit the Open Day and Visit Day pages.

Related Courses

• BA Religious Studies with Applied Psychology
• BA English and Chinese Studies
• BA Philosophy and Chinese Studies

Tuition Fees

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2017/18 are as follows:

UK/EU: £9,000

International: £14,900

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3% for International students and at the capped fee rate as set by the UK Government for UK/EU students.

You can find further information on fees and how to pay on our Student Finance pages.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's Bursaries and Scholarships page

Additional Costs

There is an optional field trip connected to a module for second and third year students to visit religious sites first hand. The Faculty subsidises this trip but the cost each year is dependent on airfare, location, and currency exchange rates. The Faculty aims to keep the cost in the range £400-£700.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Wales Trinity Saint David to find course entry requirements.

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