SEES0112 Sociology of Religion

PLEASE NOTE: This module will not be available in 2018-19 

Summative Assessment

3000 word coursework (100%)

Formative Assessment

Presentation and 1-2 page written outline. Oral feedback during class, and written feedback after class.

Module Outline

This course is an introduction to the sociological perspective on religion with a special reference to religion in Europe. The approaches of sociological classics such as Marx, Durkheim and Weber are discussed in the framework of the historical development of religion and state and civil society in Europe. Further, the course covers the most important theoretical approaches to understanding religion in the modern world: secularisation, the new visibility of religion—or desecularisation—in the 21st century, the different senses of religious pluralism (diversity, ideology, acceptance) and the specific issues of religion and welfare, religion and violence (terrorism and religious extremism), and religion, media and popular culture. The course provides theoretical tools to assess the significance of religion in the modern European context, illuminated by comparative case studies from Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The theoretical frameworks enable students to discuss the role of religion in particular national contexts and in the broader context of the European Union and beyond. The course closes with a discussion on the future of religion in Europe.

Please note: This outline is accurate at the time of publication. Minor amendments may be made prior to the start of the academic year.