Universität Wien

010075 SE Sociology of religion: Introduction, questions and classics (2014S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 1 - Katholische Theologie
Continuous assessment of course work

ACHTUNG UND WICHTIG! Die Unterrichtssprache ist deutsch, auch wenn die beschreibenden Inhalte momentan auf englisch angegeben sind!

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 05.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Monday 05.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Tuesday 06.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Tuesday 06.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Wednesday 07.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Wednesday 07.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Thursday 08.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 1 (Kath) Schenkenstraße EG
  • Thursday 08.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Friday 09.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG
  • Friday 09.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Seminarraum 5 (Kath) Schenkenstraße 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Course description
This course is designed as an introduction to the sociological study of religion. It seeks to acquaint students with theoretical models and conceptual tools which are particularly useful for analysis of the social dimensions of religion and its impact on social life.
We will discuss a range of sociological definitions of religion and briefly refer to the classical sociological theories of religion (K. Marx, É. Durkheim, M. Weber). We will present the typology of religious organizations (church, sect, denomination, new religious movement, cultic milieu) and then focus on some neo-classical paradigms and standpoints (especially those of P. Berger and T. Luckmann).
We will try to shed light on modern transformations of religion – its changing social form and position – introducing such concepts as: secularization, individualization and privatization of religion, deinstitutionalization, deprivatization , “invisible religion”, civil religion, public religion, vicarious religion, “believing without belonging”, “spiritual revolution”.

Assessment and permitted materials

Course requirements and evaluative criteria
Each student will prepare a short paper (total length: 2-3 pages) to be presented during the class and submitted at the end of the course (due in class on May 9). The paper should be a critical reading report, based on an article/book chapter , the topic of which will be negotiated between the student and the lecturer. It should offer a concise summary of the chosen text and a critical analysis of its arguments. After the presentation, the speaker will facilitate the discussion by raising questions or comments regarding the main theme of the text.

Grading: Class attendance 30%
Participation in discussions 30%
Paper presentation 40%

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Course goals
The aim of this course is to help students understand the social aspects of religious phenomena and the changing position of religion in modern societies. Students will gain knowledge of the theoretical perspectives and learn to use sociological tools which will enable them to analyze and investigate the social form and function of religion. They will also have the opportunity to improve their communication skills and abilities to read, analyze, and write.

Examination topics

Learning methods
The course meetings will include lecture, discussion and student presentation. Students are expected to read short texts and comment on them in the public discussion and in writing.

Reading list

Reading
a) Recommended:
Davie, Grace, The Sociology of Religion, London 2007.
Gabriel, Karl, Reuter, Hans-Richard (Hg.), Religion und Gesellschaft. Texte zur Religionssoziologie, Paderborn 2004.
Knoblauch, Hubert, Religionssoziologie, Berlin 1999.
Possamai, Adam, Sociology of Religion for Generations X and Y, London 2009.
Turner, Bryan S. (ed.), The New Blackwell Companion to the Sociology of Religion, Oxford 2010.

b) Required:
All other texts (fragments/chapters of books and journal articles) which will provide the basis for discussions and presentations will be distributed during the course.


Association in the course directory

Freies Wahlfach für 011 alt (02W) und 020, M5 für 066 800; IDRW 4.9

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:27