Religion And Society
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 208 pages
- 13 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS151, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS151 · UNIT 1 THE CONCEPT OF SOCIETY
This module will focus on religion and family. Such important discourse as sexuality and religion, family composition, descent pattern, authority pattern, courtship and marriage, parenthood, divorce, religion and health, and HIV and Aids will be the centre of your study here.
What you should be able to do
- Differentiate between various types of societies and their characteristics.
- Identify the role of religion in shaping social behavior and cohesion.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the influence of modernity on religion and vice versa.
- Outline the impact of religion on family structures and dynamics.
- Acknowledge and appreciate the place of religion in health care and individual well-being.
What it prepares you for
- Social Worker
- Religious Leader
- Counselor
- Sociologist
- Anthropologist
- Social Services
- Religious Organizations
- Community Development
- Research Institutions
- Healthcare
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 3: Function of Religion
Understanding the nuances and complexities of Durkheim's, Weber's, and Marx's perspectives requires critical thinking and comparative analysis.
- Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 3: Religion and Secularization
Analyzing the intricate relationship between religion and secularization requires a deep understanding of historical and philosophical contexts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Course Guide
Course Guide · 2 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 2Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 1: The concept of Society · 3 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 3Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 2: Religion in Society · 3 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 4Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 3: Function of Religion · 3 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 5Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 4: Dimensions of Religious Behaviour · 3 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 6Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 5: Organization of Religious Behaviour · 3 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 7Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 1: Religion and Stratification · 3 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 8Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 2: Religion and Culture · 3 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 9Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 3: Religion and Secularization · 3 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 10Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 4: Religion and Politics · 3 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 11Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 5: Religion and Science · 3 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 12Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY
Unit 1: Sexuality and Religious Discourse · 3 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 13Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY
Unit 2: The family Patterns · 3 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.
- Practice essay-type questions from previous examinations.
- Create concept maps linking different modules and units.
- Pay special attention to the theories of Durkheim, Weber, and Marx.
- Understand the relationship between religion and modernity, family, and health.
- Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice before the examination.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS151 about?
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.
How many units does CRS151 have?
CRS151, Religion And Society, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 208 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS151?
CRS151 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is CRS151 hard?
CRS151 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CRS151 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is CRS151 assessed?
CRS151 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS151?
Social Worker, Religious Leader, Counselor, Sociologist and Anthropologist.