Code 25128
Level of study Second Year
Credit value 20
Semester 1+2
Pre-requisite modules None
Other pre-requisites None
This module aims to exam the beliefs and practices of New Age and Alternative Spiritualities, providing an understanding of the context, culture and impact of such traditions on society and popular culture. The module will cover the variety of expressions of New Age spiritualities in contemporary society, together with Neo-paganisms, Wicca, and Western theosophical and esoteric movements. The historical context of the New Age will be examined and the influences of Eastern and Mediterranean spiritualities, such as yoga, Zen and Sufism, will be assessed. Theoretical considerations concerning the study of New Age and Alternative Spiritualities, such as sociological and anthropological approaches to the study of religion, will be discussed.
Lectures, student-led seminars, class discussion, optional field trip to Glastonbury (subject to student interest).