Understanding Religion in Contemporary Society
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI2059 | Sociology and Social Policy | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI2059
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module analyses religion and its relevance to contemporary society. Utilising sociological
frameworks like secularisation and lived religion, students will be encouraged to think critically
about how religion is experienced not only at the level of individual belief and practice, but also in
understanding national and global debates. We will examine the dynamic ways religion impacts everyday life,
and how it is mobilised in terms of power, inequalities and agency. Topics may include religious
transformation, religious and non-religious identities, fundamentalism, religious discrimination, gender and
sexuality equality, education, youth religiosity. In our analysis, we will draw on examples from various religious
traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as non-religious belief
systems like atheism.
Target Students
Available to all Level 2 and 3 students. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
This module will be delivered by a combination of lectures and seminars
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 4000 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to• equip students with knowledge of sociological issues and debates in relation to religion(s)/non-religion in contemporary society;• develop students’ critical thinking skills in order to understand a challenging topic (religion(s)/non-religion) in a careful and nuanced way• enable students to communicate their perspectives in an academically robust and respectful way.Learning Outcomes
Apply different sociological theories and perspectives to understand the core debates in relation to religion in contemporary society
Engage in reflexive learning through relating academic knowledge to everyday situations and experiences.
Present arguments in a clear and organised way, ensuring arguments are academically evidenced
Present academic work with rigour and integrity making appropriate use of the Harvard system of referencing to acknowledge the work of others