Sociology of Religion

Catalog description

This course will guide students through a critical and sociological exploration of religion. It will provide them with an opportunity to think about religious experience and religious organizations as a part of a larger social order. It will introduce basic concepts in the sociology of religion. This process involves analyzing the interrelationship of culture, society, and religion; religion and social stratification; religious, economic, and political institutions; social change and religion. There will be a general emphasis on American society and institutions, with global and historical contexts integrated throughout the course. The course is designed with a focus on reading, discussion, field observation and critical writing.