COURSE SYLLABUS
SOCI 3700: SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION
MTWTh 8:00 – 11:50
LIFE A304
Maymester, 2013
Instructor:David A. Williamson, Ph.D.940/565-2215 (direct voice)
Chilton 390940/565-2296 (departmental voice)
940/369-7035 (fax)
[USE THIS E-MAIL WHEN CONTACTING ME!]
Office Hours: TW 1:30 - 3:00 or by appointment
Course Description:
This course is an upper-level survey of the sociology of religion. While that in itself should be fairly descriptive, most students will likely be a bit uncertain as to the actual content of the course and the things they will take from it. That uncertainty is understandable because 1) sociology is a very broad discipline with a variety of tools and approaches used to study society, and 2) religion is not just a social institution, but a powerful influence on our overall world view, a lightening rod for opinion (and, unfortunately, insult), and a phenomenon so linked to the immeasurable and unobservable dimensions of life that some argue it’s not even a legitimate subject of sociological study. Of course, I believe it is one of the richest subjects of sociological study and cite as evidence the work of virtually all of the early sociologists who shaped the discipline as well as the remarkable body of literature that has accumulated over the last few decades.
So, what can you expect from this class? First, you can expect a review of the common sociological dimensions of all religions such as moral definitions, group membership and dynamics, prescribed ritual practices, definitions of the sacred, deviance, gender roles, socioecomic status,etc. In the latter half of the semester we will use these tools and perspectives to review the major world religions, with particular emphasis on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Finally, what this course is not: It is not a place to decide, or even discuss, the truth of any religion or religious perspective. Sociology isn’t qualified for this task and we will not presume to take it on. No doubt at times the discussion will get rather lively, in part because we will discuss religious ideas that are important to many of us and, therefore, may easily make others uncomfortable. However, if we each commit ourselves to humility, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to understand ourselves and others more deeply, I think this class can be as rewarding as any you’ve ever taken.
Disability Accommodation:
If you have a disability for which you are entitled to accommodation under either the American’s With Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act, please let me know early in the semester. I will be happy to work with you and ODA to ensure the appropriate accommodations are provided.
Academic Honesty:
In compliance with university policy, professional integrity, and common sense, absolute academic honesty is expected. Any breach of this ethic, including plagiarism, cheating on exams, submitting work that is not original with you, falsifying attendance records (e.g., by signing attendance sheets for other people), or in any way being dishonest with the instructor, may be grounds for being failed in this course and subject to other penalties by the university. The UNT Code of Student Conduct can be found at
Required Text:
Johnstone, Ronald L. 2007. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. 8th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Course Objectives:
1.Become familiar with the classical sociological treatments of religion, including the early works of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
2.Develop a working knowledge of the principle terminology in the sociology of religion and the ability to use it effectively in original analyses of religion and religious groups and phenomena. This includes an ability to analyze religion from macro and micro perspectives using a variety of theoretical approaches.
3.Understand the sociological dimensions of changes in the American religious mosaic over the past century, with particular attention to the controversy of “secularization hypothesis”, the emergence of extreme pluralism, and the persistence of conservatism and fundamentalism.
4.To understand the sociological dimensions of most major world religions and, on that basis, to be able to compare and contrast religions according to sociological principles and not according to validity of truth claims or ethnocentric ideals.
5.To grow in appreciation for the power of religion in defining the human experience and directing the course of human history. This includes a greater understanding of religion’s capacity to both heal and hurt, inspire peace and war, bring alienation and community – in essence, to be the most powerful justification for extreme forms of human behavior and organization.
Classroom Courtesy/Rules:
1. Turn off all cell phones and pagers, especially during exams.
2. No sleeping or reading newspapers, etc. while in class. If you do, you will be marked as absent for that day (which, in effect, you were).
3. Be punctual. This is difficult, I know, due to the early hour of the class and commuter problems. But coming in late is distracting and discourteous.
4. Show respect for the views of others, even if you strongly disagree. If you do disagree, take your turn and offer your views as your views, not as absolute truth. I assure you I will extend that same courtesy to you.
Course Requirements and Grades:
Class participation (CP)10%
Exams (2 @ 30%)60%
Final Exam30%
Participation: Class participation will primarily be determined by attendance plus your positive input into class discussion and demonstrated effort to complete course work in a timely way. Students with no unexcused absences and good participation receive a 100 for this part of their grade. Those with one unexcused absence and good participation receive a 90 for this 10 percent of the overall grade. Each unexcused absence over one will reduce that by 15 points (i.e., 2 absences = 75; 3 absences = 60).This score may be modified by the instructor based on the contributions or distractions made by the student.
Exams: Exams will be objective (e.g., multiple choice). Students who have had me before should expect no surprises. My objective with exams is to motivate you to read and process the material and to be attentive to class presentations.
Final Exam: The final exam will be comprehensive and will be given only as scheduled on Thursday, May 30that 8:00 a.m. No exceptions, and don’t be late. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late you will not be allowed to take the exam.
Class Schedule:
Week #1
May 13The Sociology of Religion: What it is, what it isn't.
Course review and distribution of syllabus
Sociological definitions of religion
Sociology and Religion: Perspectives and Misconceptions
Reading: Johnstone, chapter 1
May 14Religion as a Group Phenomenon
The Church-Sect Continuum
Reading: Johnstone, chapters3, 4
May 15Religious Socialization
Religious Conflict
Reading: Johnstone, chapters 5, 6
May 16EXAM #1 (first half of class)
Video: Within These Walls
Week #2
May 20Religious Fundamentalism
Religion and Socio-Economic Status (SES)
Reading: Johnstone, chapters 8, 10
May 21Women and Religion
Historical Developments in American Religion
Reading: Johnstone, chapter 11, 12
May 22The Black Church in American History
The Sociology of Eastern Religions: Hinduism
Reading: Johnstone, chapters 13
May 23EXAM #2 (First half of class)
The Sociology of Eastern Religions: Buddhism
Video: Bill Moyers and Huston Smith, Hinduism and Buddhism
Week #3
May 27MEMORIAL DAY – UNIVERSITY CLOSED
May 28The Abrahamic Tradition, Judaism and Christianity
May 29Islam and Religion in Contemporary Society
Reading: Handout on Islam (on web)
Video: “Battle for Islam”
May 30FINAL EXAM: 8:00 a.m. SHARP!
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