Religion and Society (U03684)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-SYRELS

The critical study of religion has long been part of sociological inquiry. This course reviews introductory definitions and issues of religion within sociology, as well as summarising accounts of religion from classical sociologists. The course will develop an understanding of the place of religion in the modern world which takes into account appropriate historical and theoretical perspectives. Empirical material and case studies will be drawn from different faith traditions and from different parts of the world.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Sociology, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
11/01/2008	09:00	10:50

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

This course will enable students to:
- Review the sociological concepts available to understand religion in the contemporary world
-Discuss classical sociological accounts and definitions of religion.
-Examine and explain the features of, and controversies over, secularisation.
-Discuss and assess rational choice theories of religion.
-Outline and account for religion in a globalising context.
-Explain the main features and issues with regard to case studies drawn from across a range of topics and societies.