SCY3131

Sociology of Religion ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: TBA

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: Religion and sociology. Religion: sword or sacred canopy. The functions of religion in society. The development of religion in primitive and modern societies. Spiritual experiences and the search for meaning in life. Religion and social inequality. Religious change and social change. Gender issues and religion. Protestantism and the development of capitalism. The church-sect typology of religious groups. Religion and secularisation. The religious factor in Australian life. The concept of membership applied to a religious group such as a church.

Assessment: Seminar presentation (500 words equivalent): 10% + Essay (2000 words): 45% + Test (2 hours): 45% + Third-year students must write their essays from a separate list of topics and will be required to show a greater depth of critical analysis of arguments and issues than second-year students.

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week

Prerequisites: First-year SCY sequence or equivalent

Prohibitions: SCY2131