Universität Wien
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010089 VO Introduction to the Sociology of Religion (2025W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 1 - Theologien und Religionswiss.
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 09.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 16.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 23.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 30.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 06.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 13.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 20.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 27.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 04.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 11.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 15.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 22.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This lecture explores the dynamic relationship between religion and society in Europe from a social science perspective. Through a sociological lens, students will become familiar with religious beliefs, practices, and institutions in Europe and how they have shaped and been shaped by social, cultural, and political forces.
The lecture covers classical and contemporary sociological theories of religion, especially on the subjects of secularization, the role of religion in identity formation, and the challenges posed by religious pluralism in contemporary European societies.
By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the specifities of a social science perspective on religion and have learned about the complex and evolving role of religion in European societies and the sociological tools to analyze these phenomena.

Learning Objectives:
- Know key sociological theories and concepts related to religion in Europe.
- Comprehend Analyses of the historical and contemporary role of religion in European societies.
- Understand processes of secularization and religious pluralism as well as dynamics at the intersection of religion with issues such as migration, identity, and politics.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of case studies and theoretical frameworks.

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam (no aids permitted)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

At least 50 percent of the total number of points of the written exam must be achieved.

Examination topics

The examination material covers the contents of the lecture units.

Reading list

Ammerman, Nancy T. 2015. „Lived Religion“. In Emerging Trends in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, herausgegeben von Robert A Scott und Stephan M Kosslyn, 1. Aufl., 1–8. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118900772.etrds0207.
Asad, Talal. 2003. Formations of the Secular: Christianity, Islam, Modernity. Stanford University Press.
Barker, Eileen. 2013. Sects, Cults, and New Religions: Critical Concepts in Sociology. Herausgegeben von Carole M. Cusack, Danielle Kirby, und Eileen Barker. New York: Routledge.
Berger, Peter L. 2011. The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion. Newburyport: Open Road Media.
———. 2020. „Toward a New Paradigm for Religion in a Pluralist Age“. In Religious Diversity and Interreligious Dialogue, herausgegeben von Anna Körs, Wolfram Weisse, und Jean-Paul Willaime, 21–26. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31856-7_2.
Burchardt, Marian, Monika Wohlrab-Sahr, und Matthias Middell. 2015. Multiple Secularities Beyond the West: Religion and Modernity in the Global Age. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG.
Campbell, Heidi, und Wendi Bellar. 2023. Digital Religion: The Basics. The Basics Series. London New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003058465.
Casanova, José. 1994. Public Religions in the Modern World. University of Chicago Press.
Davie, Grace. 2007. „From believing without belonging to vicarious religion“. In The Role of Religion in Modern Societies, herausgegeben von Detlef Pollack und V. A. Olson, 165–78. London: Routledge.
Day, Abby. 2020. Sociology of Religion: Overview and Analysis of Contemporary Religion. London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429055591.
Durkheim, Émile. 2001. The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Oxford University Press.
Luckmann, T. 1967. The invisible religion : the problem of religion in modern society. First Printing. Macmillan.
Pollack, Detlef, und Gert Pickel. 2007. „Religious Individualization or Secularization? Testing Hypotheses of Religious Change – the Case of Eastern and Western Germany“. The British Journal of Sociology 58 (4): 603–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-4446.2007.00168.x.

Association in the course directory

Masterstudium Religionswissenschaft NEU: M5 VO oder VU zu sozialwissenschaftlicher Religionsforschung; 066 800 [ALT] M21, M17

Last modified: Mo 03.11.2025 14:25