The Science of Religion
Drawing on new scientific advances, this religion course examines foundational questions about the nature of religious belief and practice.
The course is based on the idea that religion is a naturalistic phenomenon — meaning it can be studied and better understood using the tools of science. Religious belief and practice emerge naturally from the structure of human psychology, and have an important impact on the structure of societies, the way groups relate to each other, and the ability of human beings to cooperate effectively.
Topics to be covered will include traditional and contemporary theories of religion, with a special emphasis on cultural evolutionary models.
The initial production of this MOOC was partially funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada Partnership Grant on ‘The Evolution of Religion and Morality’ (PI: Edward Slingerland), and represents one of this grant’s major knowledge mobilization and research dissemination initiatives. Its maintenance and update has received additional support from a generous donation from the John Templeton Foundation. We also recognize the contribution of The Templeton World Charity (Project title: "The Science of Religion: A Massively Open Online Course”)
What you'll learn
- Evolutionary and cognitive scientific approaches to the study of religion
- The origins of religion, and its role in human life
- How religion relates to morality, spirituality and atheism
- The role of religion in current events and conflict hotspots around the world
- The role religion may have played in the origin of civilization
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| Rating | 4.7★ based on 9 ratings |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 weeks |
| Effort | 6 weeks, 2–3 hours per week |
| Starts | On Demand (Start anytime) |
| Cost | $49 |
| From | University of British Columbia, UBCx via edX |
| Instructors | Edward Slingerland, Azim Shariff |
| Download Videos | On all desktop and mobile devices |
| Language | English |
| Subjects | Humanities |
| Tags | Humanities History Philosophy & Ethics |
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What people are saying
essential religiosity on almost
Well, ritialistic culture is another asset to get an understanding of the essential religiosity on almost all continents.
many auditors who might
Teachers were careful in speaking of new ideas to many auditors who might not be familiar with the subject to provide clear understandable descriptions.
at explaining everything clearly
Both professors were good at explaining everything clearly and using real-world examples to explain the theories and studies covered in the courses.
ever wonder why religion
If you ever wonder why religion still exist in the 21st century, this course give you a very explanatory and detail answer.
never took any psychology
I never took any psychology courses before and generally found it understandable.
now 3 weeks past
It's now 3 weeks past the course ending and I am still thinking about the subjects touched upon in this course.
such study helps people
I hope such study helps people to understand each other.
clear how much effort
I appreciated the extra's after every module as well, making it clear how much effort was put into developing this course.
extremely impressed by
I was extremely impressed by the quality of the course content, its delivery and its instructors and guest speakers.
using real-world examples
after every module
answer our doubts
With excellent help from the UBC staff, they lead the way in the discussion board and answer our doubts.
Careers
An overview of related careers and their average salaries in the US. Bars indicate income percentile.
Freelance Belief Writer $23k
8Th Grade Coordinator of Religious Education $26k
Elementary Coordinator of Religious Education $32k
Campus Minister, Adjunct Instructor of Religious Studies $34k
Coordinator of Religious Education Lead $41k
1St Grade Coordinator of Religious Education $43k
3Rd Grade Religious School Teacher $44k
5Th Grade Coordinator of Religious Education $46k
Supervisor Coordinator of Religious Education $62k
Principal Coordinator of Religious Education $100k
Controller, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship $111k
National Religious/ Non-Profit Sales Manager $130k
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| Rating | 4.7★ based on 9 ratings |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 weeks |
| Effort | 6 weeks, 2–3 hours per week |
| Starts | On Demand (Start anytime) |
| Cost | $49 |
| From | University of British Columbia, UBCx via edX |
| Instructors | Edward Slingerland, Azim Shariff |
| Download Videos | On all desktop and mobile devices |
| Language | English |
| Subjects | Humanities |
| Tags | Humanities History Philosophy & Ethics |
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