Universität Wien

010072 VU Selected Chapters of Psychology of Religion (2026S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 1 - Theologien und Religionswiss.
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

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Details

Language: German

Lecturers

Classes

FR 20.03.2026 15.00-18.15 Ort: Seminarraum 7 Hauptgebäude, Tiefparterre Stiege 9 Hof 5;
FR 19.06.2026 15.00-18.15 Ort: Seminarraum 2 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG;
SA 20.06.2026 08.45-18.15 Ort: Seminarraum 7 Hauptgebäude, Tiefparterre Stiege 9 Hof 5

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this seminar, selected topics of the psychology of religion (based on the introductory lecture on the psychology of religion in the winter semester) are chosen. These will be dealt with in presentations and group discussions. To deepen the discussion, we will read basic psychology of religion texts such as those by Sigmund Freud, William James and Carl Gustav Jung, but also discuss various approaches to psychology and psychotherapy such as learning theories and the humanistic perspective. In addition, evolutionary biology and attachment theory concepts as well as neuroscientific findings on the religious/spiritual dimensions of human experience can be discussed.
Objectives: In-depth knowledge of the most important concepts and issues in the psychology of religion.

Assessment and permitted materials

Seminar thesis

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Permitted absence: Half a seminar day

Evaluation: 50% active participation - 50% seminar thesis

Examination topics

The course is examination-immanent.

Reading list

Grom, B. (2009). Religionspsychologie. Göttingen: Kösel.
Heine, S. (2005). Grundlagen der Religionspsychologie. Modelle und Methoden. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.
Kirkpatrick, L. A. (2005). Attachment, evolution, and the psychology of religion. New: Guilford Press.
Palmer, M. (2003). Freud and Jung on religion. East Sussex: Routledge.
Paloutzian, R. F., & Park, C. L. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. New York: Guilford Press.
Pargament, K. I. (2007). Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy. Understanding and addressing the sacred. New York: The Guilford Press.
Unterrainer, H.F. (2010). Seelenfinsternis? Struktur und Inhalt der Gottesbeziehung im klinisch-psychiatrischen Feld. Münster et al: Waxmann.
Wulff, D. (1997). The Psychology of Religion: Classic and Contemporary. New York: John Wiley.

Association in the course directory

Masterstudium Religionswissenschaft NEU: M5 VU zu sozialwissenschaftlicher Religionsforschung; 066 800 [ALT] M6

Last modified: Fr 13.02.2026 09:45