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CRS151Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Religion And Society

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of religion and society, exploring their intricate relationship from pre-historic times to the modern era. It examines the dynamics, practices, and influence of religion across various societal contexts, including political, cultural, scientific, and sociological developments. The course aims to provide students with a sound understanding of different societies and their religious beliefs, fostering critical analysis and appreciation of religion's role in shaping human civilization.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ReligionSocietyModernityFamilyCulture

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Concept of Society

2

Religion in Society

3

Theories on Functions of Religion

4

Dimensions of Religious Behaviour

5

Religion and Modernity

6

Religion and the Family

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sociologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Anthropologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Social ServicesReligious OrganizationsCommunity DevelopmentResearch InstitutionsHealthcare

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Course Guide

2h

Course Guide

2 study hours
  • •Read the course guide to understand the course objectives, structure, and assessment methods.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the course materials, including study units and textbooks.
  • •Organize a study schedule based on the 'Course Overview' to allocate time for each unit.
Week
2

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

3h

Unit 1: The concept of Society

3 study hours
  • •Define society and its elements: population, territory, and social organization.
  • •Explain the nature of society and its development from simple to complex forms.
  • •Identify various social institutions and their roles in society.
Week
3

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

3h

Unit 2: Religion in Society

3 study hours
  • •Explain the connection between religion and society.
  • •Discuss how religion serves in achieving social cohesion and social control.
  • •Describe the role of religion in providing social support and psychotherapy.
Week
4

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

3h

Unit 3: Function of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Compare and contrast the sociological positions of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx on the function of religion in society.
  • •Explain the integrative function of religion and its impact on social cohesion.
  • •Analyze the Marxist critique of religion as a tool for social control.
Week
5

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

3h

Unit 4: Dimensions of Religious Behaviour

3 study hours
  • •Give an account of a society's belief system and religious rituals.
  • •Express different kinds of religious experiences and their impact on adherents.
  • •Differentiate between beliefs and experiences, and between rites and rituals.
Week
6

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

3h

Unit 5: Organization of Religious Behaviour

3 study hours
  • •Define ecclesiae, denominations, sects, and cults.
  • •Compare the different forms of religious organization based on size, power, and commitment.
  • •Analyze the characteristics and operations of each type of religious organization.
Week
7

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

3h

Unit 1: Religion and Stratification

3 study hours
  • •Define the sub-urban church and discuss the challenges involved in working in it.
  • •Evaluate the role of religion among the oppressed and its relationship to radical politics.
  • •Differentiate between the conservative and the radical in religion.
Week
8

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

3h

Unit 2: Religion and Culture

3 study hours
  • •Define culture and enumerate its various elements, such as artifacts, stories, and rituals.
  • •Analyze the relationship between the different aspects of culture, including values, norms, and cultural integration.
  • •Explain the relationship between religion and culture, recognizing religion as a cultural universal.
Week
9

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

3h

Unit 3: Religion and Secularization

3 study hours
  • •Define secularization and list its sources, including the emergence of higher criticism and Renaissance humanism.
  • •Discuss how religion should relate to the secular world and analyze Islam's response to it.
  • •Evaluate the effects of secularization on society and the role of religion in addressing these effects.
Week
10

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

3h

Unit 4: Religion and Politics

3 study hours
  • •Define state religion and describe the types of state churches.
  • •Discuss the development of the political character of Islam.
  • •Explain Liberation Theology as an aspect of religious politics.
Week
11

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

3h

Unit 5: Religion and Science

3 study hours
  • •Define science and analyze the methods of science and religion in arriving at the truth.
  • •Discuss the historical overview of the conflict between science and religion.
  • •Evaluate the attitudes of religion and science toward each other and the future of their relationship.
Week
12

Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY

3h

Unit 1: Sexuality and Religious Discourse

3 study hours
  • •Define sexuality and discuss why religious discourse often keeps mute about it.
  • •Explore the concepts of sexual attraction, desire, and drive.
  • •Understand the various stages of human sexual development and their implications.
Week
13

Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY

6h

Unit 2: The family Patterns

3 study hours
  • •Define the family and discuss the types of families that exist.
  • •Evaluate the authority patterns in the family and explain the various religious prescriptions on it.
  • •Discuss the functions of a family unit and the descent patterns within it.

Unit 3: Marriage and Family

3 study hours
  • •Review all TMAs and tutor feedback.
  • •Revise all course materials and create summaries.
  • •Prepare for final examinations by focusing on key concepts and objectives.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice essay-type questions from previous examinations.

3

Create concept maps linking different modules and units.

4

Pay special attention to the theories of Durkheim, Weber, and Marx.

5

Understand the relationship between religion and modernity, family, and health.

6

Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice before the examination.

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