SOC-20075 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Religion has been an enduring feature of human societies around the world throughout history. While some argue modern societies have become less religious over time, religion continues to shape the lives of many around the world. In this module we will study religious belief, belonging and ritual in a variety of ways. Focusing particularly on Europe and the United States, but with an eye on the global, we will explore key religious developments and trends, including the popularity of non-churched spirituality, religion and crime, religion in prisons, and the emergence of controversial cults. What is the relationship between religion and morality? What might the future of religion look like in our increasingly digital AI-driven world? We will consider these questions, and many others, as we explore the religious belief, belonging and ritual from sociological and criminological perspectives.

- To introduce the key sociological and criminological concepts, theories and perspectives concerning religious belief, belonging and ritual.
- To explore the relationship between religion, society and social change.
- To examine the ways in which religion is practiced and organised across different historical and contemporary contexts.
- To explore the ways in which religion is related to social class, gender and ethnicity.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of sociological and criminological scholarship concerning religious belief, belonging and ritual.: 1,2
Identify and critically evaluate issues and debates in social scientific scholarship on religion.: 1,2
Demonstrate understanding of the ways religion features as a central part of social life in a variety of historical and contemporary contexts.: 1,2
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the methods and findings of empirical social scientific research on religion.: 1,2

Study hours

22 contact hours - 11 lectures / 11 tutorials
44 additional active learning hours comprising set readings and tasks related to seminar preparation
24 independent study
60 hours assessment preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment