Information Package / Course Catalogue
Introduction to the Psychology of Religion
Course Code: FDB531
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

To understand and explain the full breadth and depth of an individual's religious life. To understand the psychological aspects of the individual with religious beliefs. To provide a fundamental understanding of the methods and techniques used in the psychology of religion.

Course Content

This course comprehensively covers the fundamental concepts, theoretical approaches, and current research trends in the field of Psychology of Religion. It examines the subject matter, research areas, and scientific methods of Psychology of Religion in detail. The historical development of the field is evaluated from a comparative perspective within the contexts of the Western, Islamic, and Turkish worlds.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.The student applies methods and techniques of research in the psychology of religion, gathering and interpreting information from domestic and foreign sources.
2.Recognize the history of religious psychology and its important representatives.
3.It uses scientific methods of religious psychology to interpret human nature.
4.Produces scientific information about the reasons and factors that lead to religious life and behavior.
5.Understands the importance of the religious factor in protecting the psychological health of the individual.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Hayati Hökelekli, Psychology of Religion, TDV Publishing, Ankara. Hüseyin Peker, Psychology of Religion, Çamlıca Publishing, Istanbul. Hayati Hökelekli, Psychology of Youth, Religion, and Values, (Edit), Dem Publishing, Istanbul. Ali Ayten, Psychology and Religion, İz Publishing, Istanbul.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Definition, subject, purpose, methods of Psychology of Religion
Week 2 - Theoretical
History of Religious Psychology: Psychology of Religion in the West and the Islamic World
Week 3 - Theoretical
Religion as a psychological reality
Week 4 - Theoretical
Religion, piety and spiritual life
Week 5 - Theoretical
Dimensions and measurement of religiosity; models of religiosity
Week 6 - Theoretical
Dindarlığın etkileri ve dindarlığı etkileyen faktörler
Week 7 - Theoretical
Sources of religious behavior: Religious motivation and religious desire
Week 8 - Theoretical
Fear of death; moral and psychological motivations
Week 9 - Theoretical
Cognitive and social motivations
Week 10 - Theoretical
Faith and belief; nature and dimensions of faith
Week 11 - Theoretical
Faith and personality
Week 12 - Theoretical
Religious doubts and disbelief
Week 13 - Theoretical
The psychology of prayer and worship
Week 14 - Theoretical
Religion in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143042
Assignment123036
Midterm Examination124024
Final Examination124024
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)126
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
OÇ-1
5
4
3
3
4
4
OÇ-2
3
5
4
4
4
3
OÇ-3
2
3
5
4
4
3
OÇ-4
3
3
3
3
3
3
OÇ-5
2
3
3
3
3
3
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026