Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
Modernization changes the nature and social position of religion: what was once imposed on entire societies becomes a matter of choice and as societies become more religiously diverse, religion is increasingly confined to the home and the family. National churches are replaced by denominations and sects and the state’s increasing neutrality allows new religious movements to flourish. This course uses secularization to examine such basic sociological concepts as social differentiation, individualism, social cohesion, community versus voluntary association, immigration, conversion, recruitment, gender, and cultural defence.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Old Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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The central concern of the course is the place of religion in the modern world. Various aspects of modernity that have undermined the plausibility of the supernatural are examined, as are the ways in which religion remains a powerful force for aiding cultural transitions and the defence of ethnic identity. Although the substance of the course is the sociology of religion, it is designed to teach students basic sociological ideas.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: Continuous assessment : two 2,000 word essays (20% EACH); examination (60%).
Resit: Examination (100%) unless candidate opts to carry forward continuous assessment grade.
Class presentations (2 per semester) for which feedback is provided.
Written feedback will be provided for continuous assessment work, where appropriate. This will normally be provided within three weeks of the submission date. Oral feedback on class presentations will also be provided where appropriate.
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