Program Overview

UTI Arkinen ja kansanomainen uskonto 5op, lv.

Course Description

The course explores the characteristics and phenomena of everyday and folk religion, as well as related research concepts and perspectives. The locally shaped forms of religion are examined in relation to their environment, taking into account the tense relationship between folk beliefs and practices and modern institutions and authorities. The focus of the examination may vary temporally and geographically, depending on the implementation. The theme of the independent completion of the course is contemporary spirituality.

Course Content

The course covers the characteristics and phenomena of everyday and folk religion, as well as related research concepts and perspectives. The locally shaped forms of religion are examined in relation to their environment, taking into account the tense relationship between folk beliefs and practices and modern institutions and authorities. The focus of the examination may vary temporally and geographically, depending on the implementation. The theme of the independent completion of the course is contemporary spirituality.

Completion Methods

The course can be completed in three ways:

1. Lecture course: Lectures (20h), learning assignments, and an essay. The independent work may include group work. Attendance is required, and the exact requirements will be announced during the course.
2. Study circle: Study circle (16h), learning assignments, and an essay. The independent work may include group work. Attendance is required for 12 hours.
3. Independent completion: Learning assignments on the eLearn Moodle learning platform, and independent work (135h).

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for each completion method are as follows:

• Lecture course: The grade is based on the essay (scale 0-5). The learning assignments are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
• Study circle: The grade is based on the essay (scale 0-5). The learning assignments are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
• Independent completion: The grade is based on the learning assignments and independent work (scale 0-5).

Learning Materials

The learning materials for each completion method are as follows:

• Lecture course: Additional materials will be announced during the course. The materials may be partially or entirely in English.
• Study circle: Additional materials will be announced during the course. The materials may be partially or entirely in English.
• Independent completion: The required readings are:
  • Terhi Utriainen (2017), Enkeleitä työpöydällä: Arjen ja lumon etnografiaa (260 pages).
  • Tiina Mahlamäki and Minna Opas (eds.) (2022), Uushenkisyys (449 pages).

Competence Objectives

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the characteristics of everyday and folk religion.
• Define key research concepts related to the topic.
• Analyze the impact of the environment on the forms of everyday and folk religion.
• Apply research perspectives to the analysis of related data.

The course develops the following general skills:

• Critical thinking.
• Recognition and development of one's own expertise.
• Interaction and communication.

Target Group

The course is suitable for anyone interested in theology and related phenomena.

Additional Information

• The course is worth 5 credits.
• The price for a single course is 20/credit.
• The course materials and literature are not included in the course fee.
• If the employer pays the course fee, please contact the education secretary.
• The course is taught in Finnish.
• The course duration is 3 months.
• The course is available throughout the year, but the contact teaching (lecture course and study circle) is organized according to the teaching schedule and may not be available every semester.