Religion and Global Society (P03185)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-P03185

The critical study of religion has long been part of sociological inquiry. This course reviews definitions and issues of religion within sociology, as well as summarising accounts of religion from ‘classical’ sociologists. The course also aims to move beyond any narrow conception of sociology to incorporate insights from other perspectives. This multidisciplinary approach will develop an understanding of the place of religion in the modern world which takes into account appropriate historical, political and theoretical perspectives. Empirical material and case studies will be drawn from different faith traditions and from different parts of the world. Postgraduate components will broaden the course to focus on different globalising experiences of religion, focussing (for example) on ‘secular Europe’, North American ‘religiosity’, and the differing relationships between religion and politics in different parts of the ‘developing’ world. Emphasis will be firmly upon contemporary developments.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Science), (School of Social and Political Science, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

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

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

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- Critically review and assess the sociological concepts available to understand religion in the contemporary world
- Develop an advanced understanding of 'classical' sociological accounts and definitions of religion.
- Critically examine and explain the key features of, and controversies over, secularisation.
- Critically evaluate 'rational choice' theories of religion.
- Develop a critical understanding of religion in a globalising context.
- Develop a critical appreciation of core issues relating to religion and its relationship with society and politics with regard to case studies drawn from across a range of topics and societies.