Course Description:

This is a comprehensive course on the conceptualization and development of the sociology and anthropology of religion. We will explore the history of religion as a concept in social philosophy and its incorporation into the social sciences. In addition we will study the new sociology of religion theorists, particularly the research of cultural and civil society rituals and practices as religious phenomena. After laying the theoretical groundwork for religion and society, we will learn how to analyze religious phenomena in different case studies. In so doing we will also learn how different methodologies such as ethnographic field work, community-based research projects, interview and focus group strategies, quantitative and web-based technologies, and social histories help us critically analyze the interface of religion and society. Students will also be encouraged to become involved in community-based research throughout the semester (fourth credit option).