RLST2634 - Religion, Media and Consumerism

Semester 1, 2013  |  Credit Points: 6

Coordinator: Jay Johnston
Phone: +61 2 9351 6840
Email: jay.johnston@sydney.edu.au

Description

This unit examines religion, media and consumer cultures, both the way that consumer practices and forms (including new media) are used to build spiritual communities and individual identities, as well as the ways in which spiritual / religious discourse is utilised in contemporary media forms to promote goods and services. Topics include: the 'trade fairs' of New Age religion; tele-evangelism, evangelical Christianity and consumption; the commodification of 'secret' texts; and the selling of Yoga to the West.

Assessments

1x2500wd essay (50%), 1x1250wd tutorial presentation (30%), 1x online presentation (20%)

Textbooks

Course Reader

Classes

1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week

Assumed Knowledge

12 junior credit points of Religion or equivalent as assessed by the Department

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