Course

Theology, practice theory, and qualitative methods

In contemporary practical theology and the behavioral sciences of religion, religious and theological phenomena are extensively studied through qualitative methods and practice theories. This course introduces various approaches to incorporating qualitative methods into practical theological research, as well as discussions about the opportunities, challenges, and implications of doing so. The focus lies on the theological themes that have been prominent in academic discussions. The course also provides an overview of various practice theories. Additionally, students learn to reflect on their own role in practical theological research by engaging with concepts of reflexivity, normativity, and representation.

After completing the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • Explain how different qualitative methods are used in practical theological research and critically and independently discuss the opportunities, challenges, and implications involved.
  • Summarize the common foundational aspects of practice theories and evaluate the appropriateness of using practice theories in qualitative research.
  • Describe and discuss the practical theological discussions surrounding reflexivity, normativity, and representation.
  • Formulate a research design for a qualitative study in practical theology or the behavioral sciences of religion and critically discuss this from a theological perspective.

The course literature may be subject to revision.

Miller-McLemore, Bonnie J. & Joyce Mercer (ed.). Conundrums in Practical Theology. 2016. Leiden; Boston: Brill. (322 s)

Nicolini, Davide, 2013. Practice Theory, Work, and Organization: An Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (272 s)

Johansen, Christine Helboe & Schmidt, Ulla, 2022. Practice, Practice Theory and Theology. Scandinavian and German Perspectives. De Gruyter (295 s.) DYR!!

Ward, Pete (ed.). Perspectives on Ecclesiology and Ethnography. 2012. Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 2012. (254 s)

Ward, Pete & Knut Tveitereid (ed.). The Wiley Blackwell companion to theology and qualitative research. 2022. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell. (200 s i urval)

Ideström, Jonas & Tone Stangeland Kaufman (ed.).What really Matters: Scandinavian Perspectives on Ecclesiology and Ethnography. 2018. Eugene: Pickwick Publications. (150s i urval)

Whitmore, Todd D. 2019. Imitating Christ in Magwi: An Anthropological Theology. London: T&T Clark. 2019. (s. 386)

Kompendium med artiklar (150 s.)

Literature last revised on March 13, 2023.

The schedule is available at the latest one month before the course starts. We do not recommend that you print the schedule as some changes may happen.

Open the Schedule

Course Coordinator

Jonas Ideström

Head of Department of Religious Studies and Theology, Professor, Priest

jonas.idestrom@ehs.se

Grades

A = Excellent, B = Very good, C = Good, D = Satisfactory, E = Sufficient, Fx = Insufficient, F = Insufficient

Examination Format

  • Papers

See the second paragraph for times when the course is offered in English.

Kurser i teologi/religionsvetenskap, 120 hp, varav minst 15 hp praktisk teologi med religionsbeteendevetenskap på fördjupningsnivå, eller godkända kurser för en kandidatexamen i teologi/religionsvetenskap, 180 hp, där minst 150 hp utgörs av teologi/religionsvetenskap eller motsvarande. Dessutom kunskaper i svenska och engelska motsvarande kraven för grundläggande behörighet.

Courses in theology/religious studies, 120 credits, of which at least 15 credits are practical theology and religious behavioral science courses that require at least 60 credits in prerequisites, or approved courses for a bachelor's degree in theology/religious studies, 180 credits, where at least 150 credits consist of theology/religious studies or the equivalent. In addition, competency in Swedish and English corresponding to the requirements for basic eligibility. When the course is offered in English competency in Swedish is not required.

  • Completion of a course requires a minimum of 80% attendance at lectures and 100% attendance at seminars/group work and other assignments. Absence beyond that can be compensated by supplementing assignment(s) if the instructor finds it possible. In case of an absence of 50% or more, the course is considered as interrupted, even if assignments have been completed.
  • Students have the opportunity to take the exam according to the original course syllabus within two years after the course. If there are special reasons, such a re-examination can also take place later. Normally, teaching is not given according to an older syllabus. The possibility of exemption shall be decided by the president or vice president.
  • If a student due to disability has a decision from the EHS on special pedagogical support, the examiner shall, if necessary, adapt the examination and conduct the examination in an alternative way.

Established by Subject Representative College at Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm on December 8, 2022.