REL2040F RELIGION AND SOCIETY
This course may also be offered in Winter Term (REL2040L) – please consult the Department.
24 NQF credits at NQF level 6
Convener: Dr A Alhourani
Course entry requirements: Second-year status or permission of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course offers an in-depth and critical understanding of the influential role of religion in contemporary society. The course unpacks classic and contemporary sociological and anthropological theorisations of religion. We will relate these theories of religion to the functioning and structure of society. The course explores the multifaceted interplay of religion with society against the backdrop of secularism. Through our discussion of various case studies –— mainly but not exclusively drawn from the African context — we will explore the dialectical processes by which religion influences and changes societies and society transforms religion. The case studies unpack the entanglements of religion in social, cultural, economic, and political spheres of community life. The course will explore the following themes: 1) religion, alienation, and social solidarity; 2) religion in the secular age 3) religious piety and everyday lived experiences 4) the material culture of lived religion 5) religion in times of crises 6) civil religion and the public spheres 7) Religion and violence.
Lecture times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 6th period plus one tutorial.
DP requirements: Mandatory attendance at lectures and tutorials in all sections of the course. Submission of all work by due dates.
Assessment: Continuous assessment (essays, projects, tests, etc.) counts 100%.
