Sociology of Religion
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 106 pages
- 14 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 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 CRS874, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS874 · MODULE1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
This unit is a foundation unit in the course. It therefore covers definition of sociology generally and then sociology of religion in particular. The subject matter of sociology of religion is also discussed.
What you should be able to do
- Define sociology and sociology of religion.
- Explain the concepts of religion and society.
- Describe the nature of religious beliefs.
- Discuss the theories of religion and society.
- Explain the relationship between religion and society.
- Examine religion and change in the society.
- Discuss religion and violence in Nigeria.
- Explain the role of religion in politics.
What it prepares you for
- Social Worker
- Religious Leader
- Community Organizer
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Social Services
- Government
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Education
- Religious Institutions
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
Unit 5: Theories of Religion and society
Theories of religion require understanding complex sociological perspectives and abstract concepts.
- Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion
Unit 5: Belief systems in African Religion
Understanding the nuances and historical context of belief systems in African religion requires careful study.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 47 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
Unit 1: Meaning of sociology and sociology of Religion · 4 hours
Define sociology and sociology of religion.. Discuss the factors that led to the emergence of sociology.. Explain the methodology of sociological study..
- Week 2Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
Unit 2: Concepts of Religion and society · 3 hours
Define the concept of religion.. Explain the meaning of the concept of society.. List and explain the types of society..
- Week 3Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
Unit 3: The Nature of Religious beliefs · 3 hours
Explain the general nature of beliefs.. Discuss the nature of religious beliefs.. Understand the relationship between the natural and supernatural world..
- Week 4Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
Unit 4: Elements of Religion · 3 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 5Module 1: Concept and Meaning of Sociology of Religion
Unit 5: Theories of Religion and society · 4 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 6Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion
Unit 1: The Relationship between Religion and society · 3 hours
Describe the relationship between religion and society.. Identify the influence religion has exerted on societies.. Understand how religious values reflect societal values..
- Week 7Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion
Unit 2: Major institutions of society as agencies of Religion · 3 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 8Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion
Unit 3: Religion and Culture · 3 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 9Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion
Unit 4: Religion and social change · 4 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 10Module 2: Issues in Sociology of Religion
Unit 5: Belief systems in African Religion · 3 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 11Module 3: The Role of Religion in the Society
Unit 1: The importance of Religion to Society · 3 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 12Module 3: The Role of Religion in the Society
Unit 2: The importance of Society to Religion · 3 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 13Module 3: The Role of Religion in the Society
Unit 3: Religion and conflict in Nigeria · 4 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all unit objectives and ensure you can address each one.
- Create summaries of key concepts and theories from each module.
- Practice answering essay questions related to the course topics.
- Focus on understanding the relationship between religion and society in the Nigerian context.
- Pay close attention to the causes and effects of religious conflicts in Nigeria.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.
- Allocate specific time slots for revision and practice questions each week.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS874 about?
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.
How many units does CRS874 have?
CRS874, Sociology of Religion, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 106 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS874?
CRS874 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is CRS874 hard?
CRS874 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS874 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is CRS874 assessed?
CRS874 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS874?
Social Worker, Religious Leader, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst and Researcher.