Course Information

Course Information
Course Title Code Language Type Semester L+U Hour Credits ECTS
Psychological Foundations of Religion MDR518 Turkish Compulsory 3 + 0 3.0 6.0
Prerequisite Courses
Course Level Graduate
Mode of delivery Face to face
Course Coordinator Prof. Dr. Hamza AKTAŞ, Doç. Dr. Tuğba TORUN
Instructor(s) Doç. Dr. Tuğba TORUN (Bahar)
Goals Understanding the psychological foundations of religion enables one to establish the relationship between an individual's spiritual life and their psychological emotional state, and to relate contemporary approaches to the psychology of religion to spiritual development.
Course Content The aim is to understand the relationship between individual spiritual well-being and the psychology of religion by examining the history of the psychology of religion, its key thinkers, contemporary problems, and new approaches.
Learning Outcomes
# Öğrenme Kazanımı
1 It explains the fundamental concepts and theories of the psychology of religion.
2 They learn about current problems in the psychology of religion.
3 They gain knowledge about the psychological foundations of religiosity, morality, and values.
4 They will gain knowledge about the leading figures and ideas in the field of the psychology of religion.
5 Understanding the place of the psychology of religion in experiencing spiritual life.
6 It analyzes the psychological foundations of religious beliefs and behaviors.
7 It discusses the relationship between religion and personality within the framework of scientific approaches.
Lesson Plan (Weekly Topics)
Week Topics/Applications Method
1. Week History of the Psychology of Religion
2. Week The Process of Conceptualizing Religion and Spirituality Research, Presentation (Preparation), Question and Answer, Discussion
3. Week The Emotional Foundations of Religion and Spirituality Preparation, After Class Study, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
4. Week Personality and Religion Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Discussion
5. Week Psychoanalysis and Religion Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
6. Week Studies Related to the Psychology of Religion Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
7. Week Piety, Values ​​and Morality Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
8. Week Religiosity, Personality, and Identity Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Question and Answer, Discussion
9. Week Transpersonal Psychology and Psychology of Religion Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
10. Week The Contribution of the Psychology of Religion as a Human Science to Spiritual Life Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
11. Week Religiosity as a Product of Culture Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
12. Week A Cultural-Psychological Approach to Spirituality Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
13. Week PsychPsicohistory: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Psychology of Religion Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
14. Week Current Problems and Future of the Psychology of Religion Preparation, After Class Study, Research, Presentation (Preparation), Lecture, Question and Answer, Discussion
*Midterm and final exam dates are not specified in the 14-week course operation plan. Midterm and final exam dates are held on the dates specified in the academic calendar with the decision of the University Senate.
The Matrix for Course & Program Learning Outcomes
No Program Requirements Level of Contribution
1 2 3 4 5
1 Knowledge of Spiritual Counseling: Possess a deep understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge in spiritual counseling and guidance, and be able to develop solutions tailored to the spiritual needs of different individuals.
2 Interdisciplinary Approach: Integrate knowledge from various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, educational sciences, and religious studies to effectively use in spiritual counseling processes.
3 Ethics and Professionalism: Embrace the ethical principles in spiritual counseling and guidance, demonstrating a professional and culturally sensitive approach.
4 Research and Application Competence: Follow current research in the field of spiritual counseling and apply this research into practical settings.
5 Communication Skills: Establish effective communication with clients, build trust, and exhibit an empathetic approach throughout the counseling process.
Relations with Education Attainment Program Course Competencies
Program Requirements DK1 DK2 DK3 DK4 DK5 DK6 DK7
PY1 0 4 4 4 4 0 0
PY2 0 3 3 3 3 0 0
PY3 0 3 3 2 3 0 0
PY4 0 3 3 3 3 0 0
PY5 2 3 4 4 4 3 4
Recommended Sources
Ders Kitabı veya Notu
Diğer Kaynaklar
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Religion in Psychology and Psychotherapy
  • Psychology of Religion: Psychological Approaches to Religion and Spirituality
ECTS credits and course workload
ECTS credits and course workload Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Ders Dışı
Homework 4 4 16
Preparation, After Class Study 14 1 14
Research 3 2 6
Presentation (Preparation) 3 1 3
Sınavlar
Midterm 2 5 10
Midterm Preparation 1 9 9
Homework 3 7 21
Homework Preparation 5 4 20
Quiz 2 4 8
Quiz Preparation 2 4 8
Final 1 10 10
Classroom Activities 14 2 28
Total Workload 153
*AKTS = (Total Workload) / 25,5 ECTS Credit of the Course 6.0