MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Ethnographic Studies in Religion and
Education
Module
code:REL701
Semester(s) in which to
be offered: 1 and 2
Module duration
(contact hours/
directed/directed
private study:
Credit Value:
30
With effect from:
September 2009
Title of module being
replaced (if any): n/a
Existing/New:
New
Originating Subject:
Level
:7
Religion and Education
18
282
Module Leader:
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Professor Michael
West
option
None
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
Pre-requisites per
programme (between levels):
DMin Religion and Education
None
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level): None
Module Aims:
This module contributes to the postgraduate programme in Religion and Education. It aims
to enable students to understand and evaluate the use of ethnographic research methods in
the study of faith-based and religion-related education. Students will be taught the principles
of ethnographic analysis and critically analyse the use of ethnographic methods in relation to
a selected context(s) and in particular research projects.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1
Apply a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of selected areas in Religion and
Education to some contemporary issues, demonstrating knowledge of current/ research
debate and methodological awareness in relation to the use of ethnographic methods and
approaches;
2
Independently gather, organise and critique ethnographically-based research data from a
broad range of primary, secondary and scholarly sources, communicating concisely in
writing using sophisticated concepts and vocabulary appropriate to faith-based and
religion-related education; proposing new hypotheses where appropriate;
3
Critically relate research, theory and practice in a creative and reflective way, according
to professional/vocational context where appropriate;
4
Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of using ethnographic research in the
study of faith-based and religion-related education;
5
Critically analyse and evaluate the application of specific ethnographic methodology to
particular issues in the study of faith-based and religion-related education.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
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

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Communication skills
Presentation skills
Analysis, reasoning, argument, counter-argument, and the construction of a case
Research-based reflective practice skills
Reflection and evaluation of personal and professional development
Independent working
Working in a group
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework,
project) and the weighting of each (%).
One 6,000 word piece of written work (100% of the mark). It is recommended that the
assessment task should reflect the professional structure of an empirical presentation,
including: abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, conclusion.
Indicative titles for coursework include the following:
 Church Watch: the ethnographic study of two rural Methodist chapels
 Leadership styles in charismatic worship: an ethnographic study
 Spiritual encounters in the church-based coffee shop: an ethnographic approach
 The church-based holiday club: an ethnographic study
Assessment
1
Learning
Outcomes
to be met
1,2,3,4,5
Type of assessment
Weighting
Coursework
100%
Duration
(if exam)
Word count
or equivalent
if appropriate
6,000
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
The module spans two residential seminars. In the first seminar the research problem is
analysed and the research strategy is assessed. In the second seminar the draft report is
presented, critiqued and developed. Between those two seminars (held towards the
beginning and towards the end of a module) candidates are supported at a distance in
undertaking and developing their independent learning through negotiated contact with their
personal tutor and through continuing dialogue with and support from their peers within the
seminar.
Syllabus outline:
Working within the context of independent study and group-supported seminars each course
participant will be required to identify one issue of practical professional relevance within the
context of their personal and individual experience as a research-based reflective practitioner
and amenable to satisfactory academic exploration and illumination by means of a
ethnographic research approach.
Within this context of independent study and group-supported seminars, each course
participant will be required to develop knowledge of research literature relevant to the
identified issue.
The course context is designed to provide access to the ethnographic methodologies capable
of exploring and illuminating the research question, including reference to:
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
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Ethnographic methods of research used in the study of faith-based and religion-related
education.
Strengths and weaknesses of ethnographic research.
Examination of ethnographic approaches to particular issues in the study of faith-based
and religion-related education.
Bibliography
Essential reading:
Francis, L.J. (1996), Church Watch: Christianity in the countryside, London, SPCK
Indicative essential book provision :
Atkinson, P.A. et al (2007) Handbook of Ethnography, London, Sage
Cameron, H. et al (2005) Studying Local Churches: a handbook, London, SCM
Guest, M. et al (eds) (2004), Congregational Studies in the UK, Aldershot, Ashgate
Jackson, R. (1997) Religious Education: an interpretative approach, London, Hodder
Robben, A.C. G. M. and Sluka, J.A. (Eds) (2006) Ethnographic Fieldwork: An Anthology,
Oxford, Blackwell
Indicative Journals :
British Journal of Religious Education
Journal of Beliefs and Values
Journal of Contemporary Ethnography