Course Description
The relationship between social phenomena and religious practices. Topics include classic perspectives on religion; secularization; religious resurgence; religion and health; religion, race and ethnicity; religion and politics; religion and social mobilization; religion and immigration; globalization and religion.
Athena Title
SOCIO RELIGION
Prerequisite
SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will acquire conceptual tools for understanding the social significance and scientific explanation of religion. Students will critically engage classic theories of secularization with contemporary realities of religious vitality. Students will be able to work with sociological concepts and methodologies to understand religion. Students will be expected to demonstrate these skills through classroom discussion, class presentations, and completion of an independent research paper.
Topical Outline
I. Classic Perspectives on Religion A. Karl Marx and Religion as the Opiate of the Masses B. Emile Durkheim and Religion as Collective Conscience C. Max Weber, Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism II. Religious Resurgence A. Christian Fundamentalism in the U.S. B. Islamic Fundamentalism C. Latin American Christianity III. Reassessing Secularization A. Rational Choice Theory and the “New Paradigm” B. Neo-secularization Theory IV. Religion and Contemporary Society A. Religion, Politics and Social Mobilization B. Religion, Race and Ethnicity C. Religion, Immigration and Globalization