Outline

Overview

This unit develops skills to investigate with due scholarly care and cultural sensitivity the more controversial aspects of new religious developments, exploring the sociological mechanisms and creative reactions that encourage individual conversion and the rise of novel community structures. It will cover the operation of charismatic leadership, sacred enthusiasms, imaginative world building through cultural and literary artefacts, and the sudden eruption of moral and ethical panics. The broader focus will be on how communities and their faith systems work to critique, limit, and sometimes violently attack the operation and central assumptions of Modernity.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Studies in Religion
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christopher Humphrey Hartney, christopher.hartney@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Tutorial presentation 5 minute tutorial presentation.	5%	Multiple weeks	5 minute/500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Presentation write up 500 word write up due week after presentation.	5%	Multiple weeks	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Early Feedback Task Early feedback research proposal. #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 02 Due date: 15 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Sep 2025	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Take Home Paper Two academic book reviews requiring a scholarly response to 2 questions with referencing.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Sep 2025	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Scholarly response to question.	40%	Week 13	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation Based on attendance and participation in tutorial discussions.	10%	Weekly	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Instructions and detailed information on each assessment will be distributed in class and made available on Canvas

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per Faculty guidelines

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction: Modernity, Its Faithful Enemies and Devoted Allies. Lecture 1. Defining Modernity. Lecture 2. Kinds of Dissent and Dissatisfaction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial 1: Introduction, Selection of Tutorial Topics, Early Assessment	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	FUNDAMENTALISM MODULE WEEKS 2-5: Lectures 3 and 4: What Is Fundamentalism?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial 2: Fundamentalism: The Basics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	FUNDAMENTALISM: Lectures 5 and 6: Fundamental Extremisms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 3: Fundamentalism: Fundamental Extremism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	FUNDAMENTALISM: Lecture 7: Christian Fundamentalisms. Lecture 8: Jewish Fundamantalisms.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial 4: Wahabism, Salafism, and Westoxification	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	FUNDAMENTALISM Lecture 9. Islamic Fundamentalisms. Lecture 10 Hindu Fundamentalisms.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial 5: Fundamentalism: The Babri Masjid and Its Consequences	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	NEW RELIGIONS MODULE WEEKS 6-9. Lecture 11 The Paradigms of NRMs: Charisma, Disenchantment, Deviance: Lecture 12: The Myths of Modernity as New Religions - Love, Hyperindividualism, Materialism,	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 6: Charisma	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	NEW RELIGIONS: Lecture 13: Brainwashing and Coercion. Lecture 14: Scientology, Kenja, and Jesus Christians	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 7: A Closer Look at Scientology and Kenja	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	NEW RELIGIONS: Lectures 15 and 16: Are they Cults or Christianities? Peoples Temple/Jonestown and Branch Davidians/Waco.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial 8: "Invented" Religions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	NEW RELIGIONS: Lecture 17 and 18. Sacred Violence Movements, Colonialisms, and Postcolonialism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial 9: Caodaism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	WEEK TEN WORKSHOP: 19. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STUDY CONTEMPORARY ISSUES SUCH AS NEW-NEW RELIGIONS? 20. RESEARCH QUESTIONS DISCUSSIONS	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial 10: 2 Minute Essay Reports - Students to Report on their Essay Questions and Approach	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	CONSPIRACY MODULE (WEEKS 11-13) Lecture 21. Dreyfus and the Panama Canal Scandal. 22. Pizzagate	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial 11: QANON and the Conspiracy Milieu	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	CONSPIRACY: Lectures 23 and 24: The Wieambilla Shootings and the Milennarian Milieu	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 12: Sovereign Citizens and the Conspiracy of Authority	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	CONSPIRACY: Lectures 25 and 26 Is Modernity the Real Conspiracy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Tutorial 13: Knowledge and Anti-knowledge	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Lectures will be recorded and be made available to students on Canvas.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Canvas Site

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify world religions and describe historical and theoretical relationships
LO2. conduct research using academically reputable print and online sources, accessed via search engines, library catalogues and databases
LO3. communicate in clear and effective prose, and using an academic referencing system correctly
LO4. demonstrate the ability to learn independently
LO5. demonstrate an informed and open-minded perspective about social, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in Australia and the world
LO6. critically evaluate news media and popular cultural sources of information about religions and spiritualities
LO7. demonstrate oral communication skills by working in small groups in tutorial classes.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has had a name and some internal unit restructuring to bring it in line with the new Studies in Religion minor.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

RLST1005: Cults, Conspiracies, and Fundamentalisms

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links