This course examines religion as both a social phenomenon (i.e. “something someone once called ‘religion’”) and as an exemplar of social formation (e.g. religion as cultural identity, legal classification, traditional practice, value system). It also introduces students to datasets experts use to examine the behavioral, structural, and economic impact of religion in society.
Introduction to the Sociology of Religion
Sociological Perspectives on Religion
The sociology is the academic study of power structures, identity formation, and cultural institutions. Scholars observe what difference these make in the world around human beings. The sociology of religion is a systematic examination of society, religion, and their relationship. Are they the same, different, unrelated, intimately connected…and what does it matter?
Religion and Nonreligion: Definitions and Dimensions
This section will help us consider how we define religion, classify religions, and observe religious activity. The case studies and datasets are a chance to see the stakes and implications of our sociology.
Read more Religion and Nonreligion: Definitions and Dimensions
Classical Sociologists and Their Theories of Religion
This section will help us consider how we define religion, classify religions, and observe religious activity. The case studies and datasets are a chance to see the stakes and implications of our sociology.
Read more Classical Sociologists and Their Theories of Religion
Religion in Contemporary Sociology and Cultural Analysis
This section will help us consider how we define religion, classify religions, and observe religious activity. The case studies and datasets are a chance to see the stakes and implications of our sociology.
Read more Religion in Contemporary Sociology and Cultural Analysis
Great Narratives: Modernity, Postmodernity, Secularization and Globalization
Key Words zeitgeist (according to a dictionary, please list your source for your definition) Modernity 5 beliefs of Modernity (according to Schanning 1992) 6 features of Modernity (accorting to Turner 1990) Postindustrial Postmodernity Postmaterial Secularization Summarize the following theories of secularization listed in 5.61, 5.62, and 5.63 -Religious Diversity, Competition, and Secularization -European Exceptionalism, Gender…
Read more Great Narratives: Modernity, Postmodernity, Secularization and Globalization
Individual Religosity and Nonreligosity
Key Words Deprivation Theory Rational Choice Theory Theory of the Search for Meaning and Belonging Socialization Theory Individualization Subjectivation Carriers of Religiosity Textbook Readings 22. Do People Actually Believe in Their Religious Practices Because They Want to, Or Because of How They Were Raised? 23. Can People Belong to More Than One Religion? 24. Who…
Race, Ethnicity, and Religion
Key Words race ethnicity racialization racial formation Textbook Readings Inger Furseth and Pål Repstad, “Race, Ethnicity, and Religion,” 165-191 in An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge. Sheldon Steen, “Why Don’t Jewish People Believe that Jesus was the Messiah?” 135-137 in Religion in 5 Minutes. Equinox. Aaron W.…
Religion, Gender, and Sexuality
Key Words sex gender sexuality religious leadership and gender extremism and terrorism Textbook Readings Inger Furseth and Pål Repstad, “Religion, Gender, and Sexuality,” 191-215 in An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge. Leslie Dorrough Smith, “Why do Women in Some Religions Cover Up Their Faces, Or Even Their…
Religion and Social Class
Key Words class Calvinism and Class theodicy Models of Class (9.3) caste karma prosperity Textbook Readings Inger Furseth and Pål Repstad, “Great Narratives: Modernity, Postmodernity, Secularization, and Globalization,” 216-232 in An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge. Kendall Marchman, “Why do the Statues of Buddha Sometimes Depict Him…
Religious Organizations
Key Words institution mysticism in and out sects cults denominations New Religious Movements Textbook Readings Inger Furseth and Pål Repstad, “Religious Organizations: Typologies and Processes,” 233-256 in An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge. Jason N. Blum, “What is the Difference Between a Religion and a Cult?” 26-29…
Social and Religious Movements, Radicalization, and Violence
Key Words social movement fundamentalism radicalization religious violence terrorism Textbook Readings Inger Furseth and Pål Repstad, “Social and Religious Movements, Radicalization, and Violence,” 257-276 in An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge. Jason W. M. Ellsworth, “Are Eastern Religions as Connected to Violence as Western Religions Seem to…
Read more Social and Religious Movements, Radicalization, and Violence
Religion, Nation, State, and Politics
Key Words public private nation nationalism religion and the state (esp. the confessional state) accomodationist wall of separation Textbook Readings Inger Furseth and Pål Repstad, “Religion, Nation, State, and Politics,” 277-310 in An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge. Ian Alexander Cuthbertson, “Why is Religion So Often Involved…
