Sociology of Religion

Subject 110-343 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: 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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Muhammad Kamal

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%).
Prescribed Texts:
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
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 Major

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