85332 - Sociology of Religions Lm

Learning outcomes

Throughout the course students are expected to acquire a general knowledge of the most relevant topics, theories and authors in sociology of religion. They are aware of current facts and trends concerning world religions. They will learn and discuss concepts and categories for a sociologically oriented analysis of religious phenomena in contemporary societies, with a special focus on religious pluralism.

Course contents

The programme is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on current trends in world religions. In the second part we discuss classical and recent theoretical approaches to the role of religions in modern societies.

 

Introduction

1) The concept of religion in Western sciences

First part: Religions in contemporary societies

2) A global overview of world religions

3) Religions and political dissent

4) Gender inequality and feminism in religions

5) The social and political engagement of faith-based organizations

6) The globalization of religions: diasporas and transnational religions.

7) Demographic trends in world religions

8) The rise of evangelical, pentecostal and charismatic churches

9) New religious movements

10) Religious fundamentalisms

11) Marketing, commodification and religions

Second part: Theoretical approaches

12) The forerunners of the sociology of religion: Tocqueville, Feuerbach, and Comte

13) Religion as ideology: Marx and the marxists

14) Max Weber: social differentiation, religious groups and disenchantment

15) Religion as function: Durkheim and the Durkheimian tradition

16) Theories of secularisation and pluralism: privatization, individualization, denominationalism, religious market

17) Challenging secularisation: religions in the public sphere, new spiritualities, and post-colonial critiques

 

Readings/Bibliography

The syllabus is available at https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/isacco.turina/contenuti-utili/871f9dff

The texts of each unit will be uploaded some days before their scheduled discussion.

Teaching methods

Each lesson is divided into a first part of introduction by the teacher and a second part of discussion of the texts.

Assessment methods

Each student submits an essay (about 15-30 pages long) on a relevant topic in the sociology of religion. The work should start with a review of the literature and move on to a critical assessment of the issue at stake. Some guidelines (in Italian) on how to write the paper are available at https://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/isacco.turina/contenuti-utili/983d4315

Office hours

See the website of Isacco Turina