Sociology of Religion

Subject ISLM30014 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Dr Muhammad Kamal muhammad@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

In this subject some of the main sociological approaches to the study of religion will be considered. The unit will be orientated particularly to the tension between religion and social theory in the evolution of sociological thought. It addresses the impact of religion and religious bodies on Australian society and politics. The unit will focus on the relation of theory and practice, on the research of contemporary religious practice, and on the contemporary relevance of major theorists in the sociology of religion. It will address issues such as Buddhism, Fundamentalism(s), gender in religion, globalisation, Islam, modernity/post modernity, neo-paganism, networks in spiritualities, New Age, popular culture, and new religious movements.

Objectives:
  • To provide a critical introduction to some of the major theorists in the sociology of religion.
  • To investigate the major rationales for religion as a belief system and their relevance to the contemporary and historical development of institutionalised, and networking forms of, religious practice - with particular reference to the secularisation debate.
  • To investigate the formation of major religious institutions and emergent religious groups, the part they have played in the formation and support of dominant ideologies and the existing social structure, and how these factors have influenced the peculiar nature of religion in Australia.
Assessment:

Assessment totalling 4000 words (100%).

Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 75% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

None.

Recommended Texts:

None.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

None.

Notes: This subject will be taught online by the University Western Sydney (UWS). It is offered to students of University of Melbourne, University of Western Sydney and Griffith University. Local tutorial support will be available at all three universities. Available as a breadth subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies

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