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CRS870Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Religion and Society

This course introduces students to the intricate relationship between religion and society. It explores the dynamics of religion from prehistoric times to the modern era, examining its influence on political, cultural, scientific, and sociological developments. The course covers various types of societies, religious beliefs, and practices, emphasizing the impact of modernity on religion and vice versa. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of religion's function in society, its role in social cohesion and control, and its influence on family structures and health.

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195h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
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

Society

2

Religion

3

Modernity

4

Family

5

Culture

6

Health

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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sociologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious OrganizationsSocial ServicesHealthcareEducationResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

2h

Unit 1: The concept of Society

2 study hours
  • Define society, its nature, and its development.
  • Identify the elements of society: population, territory, and social organization.
  • Discuss the importance of social institutions.
Week
2

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

2h

Unit 2: Religion in Society

2 study hours
  • Explain the relationship between religion and society.
  • Discuss religion's role in social cohesion, control, support, and change.
  • Examine the connection between religion and psychotherapy.
Week
3

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

2h

Unit 3: Theories on Functions of Religion in Society

2 study hours
  • Compare Durkheim's, Weber's, and Marx's theories on religion's function.
  • Analyze religion's integrative function.
  • Discuss liberation theology.
Week
4

Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR

4h

Unit 4: Dimensions of Religious Behaviour

2 study hours
  • Identify and explain the dimensions of religious behavior: belief, ritual, and experience.
  • Differentiate between varieties of religious behavior.

Unit 5: Organization of Religious Behaviour

2 study hours
  • Compare forms of religious organization: ecclesiae, denominations, sects, and cults.
  • Discuss the characteristics of each form.
Week
5

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

2h

Unit 1: Religion and Stratification

2 study hours
  • Examine the relationship between religion and stratification.
  • Discuss religion's role in radical politics.
  • Analyze religion among the oppressed.
Week
6

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

2h

Unit 2: Religion and Culture

2 study hours
  • Explore the idea of culture and its elements.
  • Analyze religion as culture.
  • Discuss the aspects of culture.
Week
7

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

2h

Unit 3: Religion and Secularization

2 study hours
  • Define secularization and its sources.
  • Discuss the relationship between religion and the secular world.
  • Analyze Islam and the secular world.
Week
8

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

2h

Unit 4: Religion and Politics

2 study hours
  • Examine the relationship between religion and politics.
  • Discuss the concept of political religion.
  • Analyze liberation theology as an aspect of religious politics.
Week
9

Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY

2h

Unit 5: Religion and Science

2 study hours
  • Explore the relationship between religion and science.
  • Compare methodologies in science and religion.
  • Discuss the attitudes of religion and science towards each other.
Week
10

Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY

2h

Unit 1: Sexuality and Religious Discourse

2 study hours
  • Define sexuality and its history.
  • Discuss religious discourse on sexuality.
  • Examine the history of sexuality.
Week
11

Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY

2h

Unit 2: The Family Patterns

2 study hours
  • Define the family and its patterns.
  • Discuss family composition, descent patterns, and authority patterns.
  • Examine religious prescriptions and sanctions.
Week
12

Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY

2h

Unit 3: Marriage and Family

2 study hours
  • Explore marriage and family dynamics.
  • Discuss courtship, mate selection, parenthood, and divorce.
  • Analyze religious influences on marriage and family.
Week
13

Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY

2h

Unit 4: Religion and Health

2 study hours
  • Examine the relationship between religion and health.
  • Discuss religion's role in medicine.
  • Analyze religion and HIV/AIDS.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key historical events discussed in the course, focusing on the evolution of religion in society.

2

Develop concept maps linking the sociological theories of Durkheim, Weber, and Marx to specific religious phenomena.

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different religious perspectives on social issues like sexuality, family, and health.

4

Review case studies presented in the course materials, focusing on the practical application of theoretical concepts.

5

Form study groups to discuss and debate complex topics, such as the relationship between religion and secularization, to deepen understanding and critical thinking skills.

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