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CRS874Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Sociology of Religion

This course introduces students to the sociological study of religion, exploring its multifaceted role in society. It examines the concepts of sociology and sociology of religion, religious beliefs, and the elements of religion. The course delves into the relationship between religion and society, its impact on culture and social change, and its role in politics and conflict, particularly within the Nigerian context. Students will gain an understanding of religion's importance and its complex interactions with societal structures.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Sociology of ReligionReligious BeliefsReligion and SocietyReligion in NigeriaSocial Change

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

Sociology of Religion

2

Religious Beliefs

3

Religion and Society

4

Religion and Culture

5

Religion and Social Change

6

Religion and Politics

7

Religious Conflict

8

African Religion

Total Topics8 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 assignments

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

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Organizer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Social ServicesGovernmentNon-Profit OrganizationsEducationReligious Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion

4h

Unit 1: Meaning of sociology and sociology of Religion

4 study hours
  • •Define sociology and sociology of religion.
  • •Discuss the factors that led to the emergence of sociology.
  • •Explain the methodology of sociological study.
Week
2

Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 2: Concepts of Religion and society

3 study hours
  • •Define the concept of religion.
  • •Explain the meaning of the concept of society.
  • •List and explain the types of society.
Week
3

Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 3: The Nature of Religious beliefs

3 study hours
  • •Explain the general nature of beliefs.
  • •Discuss the nature of religious beliefs.
  • •Understand the relationship between the natural and supernatural world.
Week
4

Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 4: Elements of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Explain the various elements of religion.
  • •Define the role which these elements play in sustaining religion in society.
  • •Understand the importance of belief, ritual, emotions and organization in religion.
Week
5

Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion

4h

Unit 5: Theories of Religion and society

4 study hours
  • •List the basic assumptions of structural functionalism and relate them to religion.
  • •Discuss Marxist theory of religion.
  • •Discuss the social interactionist theory of religion.
Week
6

Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 1: The Relationship between Religion and society

3 study hours
  • •Describe the relationship between religion and society.
  • •Identify the influence religion has exerted on societies.
  • •Understand how religious values reflect societal values.
Week
7

Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 2: Major institutions of society as agencies of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Explain the family as an agency of religion in the society.
  • •Describe the educational institution as an agency of religion.
  • •Understand how these institutions transmit religious values.
Week
8

Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 3: Religion and Culture

3 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of culture and its aspects.
  • •Explain the relationship between religion and culture.
  • •Understand how religion is influenced by the culture of a people.
Week
9

Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion

4h

Unit 4: Religion and social change

4 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of social change.
  • •Explain how religion can bring about change in the society.
  • •Discuss the Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.
Week
10

Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion

3h

Unit 5: Belief systems in African Religion

3 study hours
  • •Explain ancestor worship as a belief system in Africa.
  • •Describe the practice of witchcraft and how witches operate.
  • •Explain the concept of magic as a religious belief in Africa.
Week
11

Module 3: The Role of Religion in the Society

3h

Unit 1: The importance of Religion to Society

3 study hours
  • •Explain the importance of religion to society.
  • •Describe the role of religion in the maintenance of order and stability in the society.
  • •Understand how religion provides meaning and emotional support.
Week
12

Module 3: The Role of Religion in the Society

3h

Unit 2: The importance of Society to Religion

3 study hours
  • •Explain the importance of society to religion.
  • •Highlight the role society plays in sustaining the institution of religion.
  • •Understand how society provides support and legitimacy to religion.
Week
13

Module 3: The Role of Religion in the Society

8h

Unit 3: Religion and conflict in Nigeria

4 study hours
  • •Explain the place of religion in conflicts in Nigeria.
  • •Identify the causes of religious conflicts.
  • •State the effects of such conflicts on the society.

Unit 4: The role of Religion in politics

4 study hours
  • •Explain the role of religion in politics.
  • •Discuss the nature of involvement of religion in politics in Nigeria.
  • •Understand the historical development of religion's involvement in politics.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.

2

Create summaries of key concepts and theories from each module.

3

Practice answering essay questions related to the course topics.

4

Focus on understanding the relationship between religion and society in the Nigerian context.

5

Pay close attention to the causes and effects of religious conflicts in Nigeria.

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.

7

Allocate specific time slots for revision and practice questions each week.

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