Religion and Society
- Arts
- 800 level
- 2 credit units
- 154 pages
- 13 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 195 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS870, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS870 · UNIT 1 THE CONCEPT OF SOCIETY CONTENT
A self-perpetuating societal population inhabits a given territory on a relatively permanent basis. Such a territory is the largest within which mating is common and residence is relatively permanent.
What you should be able to do
- Differentiate between various types of societies.
- Identify the role of religion in society.
- Appreciate different religious behaviors.
- Demonstrate knowledge of modernity's influence on religion.
- Differentiate between culture and religion.
- Outline the role of religion in politics.
- Identify the impact of religion on the family.
- Acknowledge the place of religion in healthcare and HIV/AIDS.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Leader
- Social Worker
- Counselor
- Sociologist
- Theologian
- Religious Organizations
- Social Services
- Healthcare
- Education
- Research
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
Requires understanding of complex sociological theories and their application to religious phenomena.
- Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 3: Religion and Secularization
Involves critical analysis of the historical and contemporary relationship between religion and secularization, requiring nuanced understanding of social and political contexts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 1: The concept of Society · 2 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 2Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 2: Religion in Society · 2 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 3Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 3: Theories on Functions of Religion in Society · 2 hours
Compare Durkheim's, Weber's, and Marx's theories on religion's function.. Analyze religion's integrative function.. Discuss liberation theology..
- Week 4Module 1: THE STUDY OF SOCIETY AND RELIGIONS BEHAVIOUR
Unit 4: Dimensions of Religious Behaviour · 2 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 hours
Compare forms of religious organization: ecclesiae, denominations, sects, and cults.. Discuss the characteristics of each form..
- Week 5Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 1: Religion and Stratification · 2 hours
Examine the relationship between religion and stratification.. Discuss religion's role in radical politics.. Analyze religion among the oppressed..
- Week 6Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 2: Religion and Culture · 2 hours
Explore the idea of culture and its elements.. Analyze religion as culture.. Discuss the aspects of culture..
- Week 7Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 3: Religion and Secularization · 2 hours
Define secularization and its sources.. Discuss the relationship between religion and the secular world.. Analyze Islam and the secular world..
- Week 8Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 4: Religion and Politics · 2 hours
Examine the relationship between religion and politics.. Discuss the concept of political religion.. Analyze liberation theology as an aspect of religious politics..
- Week 9Module 2: RELIGION AND MODERNITY
Unit 5: Religion and Science · 2 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 10Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY
Unit 1: Sexuality and Religious Discourse · 2 hours
Define sexuality and its history.. Discuss religious discourse on sexuality.. Examine the history of sexuality..
- Week 11Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY
Unit 2: The Family Patterns · 2 hours
Define the family and its patterns.. Discuss family composition, descent patterns, and authority patterns.. Examine religious prescriptions and sanctions..
- Week 12Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY
Unit 3: Marriage and Family · 2 hours
Explore marriage and family dynamics.. Discuss courtship, mate selection, parenthood, and divorce.. Analyze religious influences on marriage and family..
- Week 13Module 3: RELIGION AND THE FAMILY
Unit 4: Religion and Health · 2 hours
Examine the relationship between religion and health.. Discuss religion's role in medicine.. Analyze religion and HIV/AIDS..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key historical events discussed in the course, focusing on the evolution of religion in society.
- Develop concept maps linking the sociological theories of Durkheim, Weber, and Marx to specific religious phenomena.
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different religious perspectives on social issues like sexuality, family, and health.
- Review case studies presented in the course materials, focusing on the practical application of theoretical concepts.
- Form study groups to discuss and debate complex topics, such as the relationship between religion and secularization, to deepen understanding and critical thinking skills.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS870 about?
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.
How many units does CRS870 have?
CRS870, Religion and Society, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 154 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS870?
CRS870 carries 2 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is CRS870 hard?
CRS870 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS870 take to study?
About 195 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is CRS870 assessed?
CRS870 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS870?
Religious Leader, Social Worker, Counselor, Sociologist and Theologian.