Sociol Theories of Religion
- Arts
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 262 pages
- 21 units
This course introduces students to social theories of religion, exploring key concepts such as the definition of religion, elements of religion, and the history of world religions. It examines the relationship between religion and society, socialization, secularization, and family patterns. The course also delves into various social theories of religion, including those of Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Comte, Freud, and functionalist and symbolic interactionist perspectives. It provides a comprehensive understanding of religion's role in society.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 90 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS864, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: DEIFINITION OF RELIGIONPage 9
- UNIT 2: THE ELEMENTS OF RELIGIONPage 36
- UNIT 3: HISTORY OF WORLD RELIGIONSPage 41
- UNIT 4: NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS INN NIGERIAPage 58
- UNIT 5: METHODOLOGY FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGION AND SOCIETYPage 85
- UNIT 6: THE NATURE OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFSPage 93
- UNIT 7: RELIGION IN THE SOCIETYPage 98
- UNIT 1: MEANING OF SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGIONPage 107
- UNIT 2: THE CONCEPT OF SOCIETYPage 116
- UNIT 3: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGION AND SOCIETYPage 140
- UNIT 4: SOCIALIZATION AND RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATIONPage 144
- UNIT 5: RELIGION AND SECULARIZATIONPage 160
- UNIT 6: THE FAMILY PATTERNPage 179
- UNIT 7: FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION IN THE SOCIETYPage 200
- UNIT 1: DURKHEIN THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 204
- UNIT 2: MARXIST THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 216
- UNIT 3: WEBERIAN THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 226
- UNIT 4: AUGUSTE COMTE’S THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 234
- UNIT 5: SIGMUND FREUD THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 242
- UNIT 6: THE FUNCTIONALIST THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 249
- UNIT 7: SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONIST THEORY OF RELIGIONPage 254
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS864 · UNIT 1: DEIFINITION OF RELIGION
In this file, you will find the details of the work you must submit to your tutor for marking. The marks you obtain from these assignments will count towards the final mark you obtain for this course. Further information on assignments will be found in the Assignment File itself and later in this Course Guide in the section on assessment.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concept of religion from various perspectives.
- Discuss the elements of religion and their significance.
- Analyze the relationship between religion and society.
- Examine the process of socialization and religious indoctrination.
- Evaluate the impact of secularization on religious institutions.
- Compare and contrast different social theories of religion.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Studies Scholar
- Social Worker
- Community Organizer
- Policy Analyst
- Journalist
- Religious Organizations
- Non-Profit Sector
- Government Agencies
- Educational Institutions
- Media and Journalism
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Social Theories on the Functions of Religion
Unit 1: Durkheim Theory of Religion
Durkheim's concepts of collective effervescence and social solidarity require abstract thinking and application to diverse social contexts.
- Module 3: Social Theories on the Functions of Religion
Unit 2: Marxist Theory of Religion
Marxist analysis of religion as 'the opium of the people' requires critical evaluation of power dynamics and economic structures.
- Module 3: Social Theories on the Functions of Religion
Unit 3: Weberian Theory of Religion
Weberian concepts of rationalization and the Protestant ethic demand nuanced understanding of historical and cultural contexts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unit 1: Definition of Religion · 2 hours
Read the introduction to different perspectives on defining religion.. Identify the etymological connotations of the word 'religion'.. Reflect on personal understanding and experiences related to religion..
- Week 2Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unit 2: The elements of religion · 2 hours
Identify and describe the four structural elements of religion: belief, ritual, emotions, and organization.. Analyze the role of each element in sustaining religious practices.. Reflect on how these elements manifest in different religions..
- Week 3Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unit 3: History of world religions · 3 hours
Explore the historical development of various world religions.. Compare and contrast the origins, beliefs, and practices of different religions.. Analyze the factors that contributed to the spread and evolution of each religion..
- Week 4Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unit 4: New Religious Movements in Nigeria · 3 hours
Research and analyze the emergence and characteristics of New Religious Movements in Nigeria.. Discuss the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to the rise of NRMs.. Evaluate the impact of NRMs on Nigerian society and culture..
- Week 5Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unit 5: Methodology for the Study of Religion · 2 hours
Review the different methods used in the study of religion and society.. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method.. Apply these methods to analyze specific religious phenomena..
- Week 6Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unit 6: The nature of Religious Beliefs · 2 hours
Examine the nature of religious beliefs and their impact on individual and collective behavior.. Discuss the role of faith, dogma, and doctrine in shaping religious identity.. Analyze the relationship between religious beliefs and social norms..
- Week 7Module 1: Definition of Religion
Unity 7: Religion in the Society · 2 hours
Analyze the various functions of religion in society, including social cohesion, social control, and social support.. Discuss the role of religion in providing meaning, purpose, and emotional security.. Evaluate the impact of religion on social change and stability..
- Week 8Module 2: Sociology of Religion
Unit 1: Meaning of Sociology of Religion · 2 hours
Define sociology of religion and its scope.. Explore the relationship between religion and society.. Discuss the key concepts and theories in sociology of religion..
- Week 9Module 2: Sociology of Religion
Unit 2: The Concept of Society · 3 hours
Examine the concept of society and its various components.. Discuss the different types of societies and their characteristics.. Analyze the role of social institutions in maintaining social order..
- Week 10Module 2: Sociology of Religion
Unit 3: The Relationship between Religion and Society · 2 hours
Analyze the complex relationship between religion and society.. Discuss the ways in which religion influences social structures and processes.. Evaluate the impact of social factors on religious beliefs and practices..
- Week 11Module 2: Sociology of Religion
Unit 4: Socialization and Religious Indoctrination · 3 hours
Explore the processes of socialization and religious indoctrination.. Discuss the role of family, education, and religious institutions in shaping individual beliefs and values.. Analyze the ethical implications of religious indoctrination..
- Week 12Module 2: Sociology of Religion
Unit 5: Religion and Secularization · 2 hours
Define secularization and its various dimensions.. Discuss the factors that contribute to the process of secularization.. Analyze the impact of secularization on religious institutions and practices..
- Week 13Module 2: Sociology of Religion
Unit 6: The Family Pattern · 2 hours
Examine the family pattern and its variations across different cultures and religions.. Discuss the functions of the family and its role in society.. Analyze the impact of religion on marriage, divorce, and family values..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a detailed study schedule allocating specific time slots for each module and unit.
- Develop concept maps linking key concepts from different social theories of religion.
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting the views of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
- Review case studies of religious movements and analyze them using different theoretical frameworks.
- Focus on understanding the core arguments and criticisms of each social theory of religion.
- Prepare summaries of key terms and concepts from each unit to aid recall during the exam.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS864 about?
This course introduces students to social theories of religion, exploring key concepts such as the definition of religion, elements of religion, and the history of world religions. It examines the relationship between religion and society, socialization, secularization, and family patterns. The course also delves into various social theories of religion, including those of Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Comte, Freud, and functionalist and symbolic interactionist perspectives. It provides a comprehensive understanding of religion's role in society.
How many units does CRS864 have?
CRS864, Sociol Theories of Religion, has 21 units across 3 modules, over 262 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS864?
CRS864 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is CRS864 hard?
CRS864 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS864 take to study?
About 90 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is CRS864 assessed?
CRS864 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS864?
Religious Studies Scholar, Social Worker, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst and Journalist.