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Overview

Critical study of selected texts from Buddhism and/or other religions. Considers advanced methods for textual research. Taught by field-leading visiting lecturers and/or RELS staff with expertise in those texts.

In this paper, students will study a particular genre of religious text under the guided supervision of scholar expert in that genre.

About this paper

Paper title Readings in Religious Texts
Subject Religious Studies
EFTS 0.25
Points 30 points
Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (9 February 2026 - 17 June 2026) (On campus)
Semester 1 (9 February 2026 - 17 June 2026) (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $2,498.25
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MA(Coursework)
Contact

religion@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

To be confirmed

Teaching Arrangements

The Distance Learning offering of this paper is a combination of remote and in-person teaching

This paper will be taught as an intensive course. Students (including distance students) will be required to complete preparatory reading and then be present on campus in Dunedin for a week of intensive seminars in February. Assessment will be completed during the course of the first semester.

Textbooks

To be advised

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this paper, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of key concepts and major themes within the text(s) studied
  • Discuss critically the context of origin, history of transmission and reception of the text
  • Critically analyse the doctrinal stance of the text and its relation to other religious traditions and to relgious practice
  • Assess the secondary literature on the text and evaluate the different approaches to the text in contemporary scholarship
  • Demonstrate that they have acquired the basic methodological skills to undertake independent research on Buddhist texts, working on primary sources

Overview

Critical study of selected texts from Buddhism and/or other religions. Considers advanced methods for textual research. Taught by field-leading visiting lecturers and/or RELS staff with expertise in those texts.

In this paper, students will study a particular genre of religious text under the guided supervision of scholar expert in that genre.

About this paper

Paper title Readings in Religious Texts
Subject Religious Studies
EFTS 0.25
Points 30 points
Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
Semester 1 (On campus)
Semester 2 (On campus)
Semester 2 (Distance learning)
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Delivery mode The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MA(Coursework)
Contact

Professor Ben Schonthal

Professor Will Sweetman

Teaching staff

Professor Ann Heirman

Teaching Arrangements

This paper will be taught as an intensive course. Students will be required to complete preparatory readings and take part in a week of intensive seminars in February, which can be attended either in-person or online. Assessment will be completed during the course of the first semester.

Textbooks

To be advised.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this paper, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of key concepts and major themes within the text(s) studied.
  • Discuss critically the context of origin, history of transmission and reception of the text.
  • Critically analyse the doctrinal stance of the text and its relation to other religious traditions and to relgious practice.
  • Assess the secondary literature on the text and evaluate the different approaches to the text in contemporary scholarship.
  • Demonstrate that they have acquired the basic methodological skills to undertake independent research on Buddhist texts, working on primary sources.
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