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Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class
Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online course information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
The Sociology of Religion
COURSE CODE:
SOC 321.3
TERM:
Winter 2015
COURSE CREDITS:
3
DELIVERY:
Independent Studies
COURSE SECTION:
X02
START DATE:
January 5, 2015
END DATE:
April 8, 2015
Course Description
An analysis of religion in terms of the processes (e.g., secularization and urbanization), which
have affected the religious institutions of the West, and of the social and personality structures
which, in interaction, shape religion and are shaped by it.
Prerequisites:
12 credit units SOC
Class Objectives
By the end of this class, students should be able to:
1. Grasp the various influences that religion has on our society.
2. Critically analyze some of the religious issues with which we are faced.
Class Overview
As its name implies, this class offers a sociological examination of various religious issues. The
major focus will be on the relationship between religion and society.
During the next few months as you are taking this class, you will be embarking on what I hope
will be an interesting and educational academic journey for you. We will explore issues that will
make us contemplate how we, as members of society, are all affected by religion whether we
consider ourselves to be “religious” or not. As well, we will examine some of the controversies
that surround religious thought and practice.
Although you are taking this class by distance education, you should not feel that you are
undertaking this journey alone. If you find that you are having difficulties with any component of
this class, please remember that your instructor is as near as your phone. A phone call or an
email can provide you with peace of mind and save you much aggravation.
October 8, 2014 gm ck jm pk bp
SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Your Instructor
Your instructor for this class is Bryan Puk.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (306) 934-8142
Office Hours
Bryan can be reached by phone or email at the contact information listed above. If you are
leaving a voice mail message, please state your name and phone number clearly, and he will
return your call.
Profile
Bryan teaches for the University of Saskatchewan, St. Thomas More College, and the First
Nations University of Canada. His main areas of interest are Criminology, Family, and
Education.
Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
1. Johnstone, R. L. (2004). Religion in society: A sociology of religion, (8th Ed.). New
Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Summary of Religion In Society:
“This edition retains the book’s focus on grounding the sociological study of
religion in basic sociological concepts, structures, and theory that demonstrate
religion’s status as a major social institution that is in constant social
interaction and reciprocation with other institutions. As such, religion adapts
and evolves in response to challenges and changes within the society in which
it operates. Throughout it all religion provides a wide range of choices as
people look for answers, encouragement, comfort, and hope”. (Johnstone,
2004, pp. x, xi)
Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
www.usask.ca/consumer_services/bookstore/textbooks
Page 2 of 9
SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Class Schedule
Week
Module
Readings
Module 1
Johnstone, R. L., Religion in Society
• Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective
Evaluation
• Chapter 2: The Sources of Religion
Reading Assignment One
Due: January 16, 2015
Research/Essay Paper Assignment One
Due: January 16, 2015
Reading for Assignment One:
Judd, D. K. Does God exist? In Taking sides:
Clashing views on controversial issues in
religion (pp. 2-19). Connecticut: Dushkin
McGraw Hill. (Article Reprint)
Module 2
Johnstone, R. L., Religion in Society
• Chapter 5: Becoming Religious
• Chapter 4: The Church-Sect Continuum
of Religious Organizations
Reading Assignment Two
Due: February 6, 2015
Research/Essay Paper Assignment Two
Due: February 6, 2015
Reading for Assignment Two:
Judd, D. K. Is capital punishment wrong? In
Taking sides: Clashing views on
controversial issues in religion (pp. 184-202).
Connecticut: Dushkin McGraw Hill. (Article
Reprint)
Family Day and U of S Midterm Break
Feb.1621,
2015
Module 3
No evaluations due
Johnstone, R. L., Religion in Society
• Chapter 6: Religious Conflict
• Chapter 9: Religion and the Economy
Reading Assignment Three
Due: February 27,
2015
Page 3 of 9
SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Research/Essay Paper Assignment Three
Due: February 27,
2015
Reading for Assignment Three:
Judd, D. K. Does the Bible forbid same-sex
relationships? In Taking sides: Clashing
views on controversial issues in religion
(pp. 204-229). Connecticut: Dushkin
McGraw Hill. (Article Reprint)
Module 4
Johnstone, R. L., Religion in Society
• Chapter 11: Woman and Religion
• Chapter 15: The Future of Religion
Reading Assignment Four
Due: March 20, 2015
Research/Essay Paper Assignment Four
Due: March 20, 2015
April 11 or 13, 2015
(exact date/time TBA)
Please submit both assignments per module at the same time in the same envelope
along with one filled out submission form.
Final Exam
Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading
List, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
Grading Scheme
Assignment
Value
Module 1 Reading Assignment
10%
Module 1 Research/Essay Paper
10%
Module 2 Reading Assignment
10%
Module 2 Research/Essay Paper
10%
Module 3 Reading Assignment
10%
Module 3 Research/Essay Paper
10%
Module 4 Reading Assignment
5%
Module 4 Research/Essay Paper
5%
Final Examination
30%
Total
100%
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SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and
assessment of student learning can be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academicaffairs/academic-courses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing
these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can
be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/documents/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
CCDE Writing Centre - Quality writing help for free! Anyone taking a distance class (online, independent studies, televised, or multi–mode delivery)
administered by the CCDE can use this free service. The Writing Centre provides tools and
support to help you write effective essays, reports, or reviews. Simply submit a project draft, and
a qualified tutor will assess your work and offer advice to improve your project. Contact the
CCDE Writing Centre at http://www.ccde.usask.ca/writing There are two assignments for each of the four modules in this class. The Reading Assignments
are identified by the blue pages. The Research/Essay Paper Assignments are on green pages.
The paper component should be typed and both of the assignments should be submitted at the
same time in the envelopes that are provided. Please remember to fill out and include the
submission sheet for each module sent in.
Each module will give you precise instructions about what has to be done. The questions are
spaced in such a manner as to indicate to you how long the typical answer to each question
might be. Since handwriting varies from person to person, these spaces serve only as a rough
guide. You may use additional paper to complete your answers if necessary. If so, please
remember to submit these additional pages along with the blue pages.
Please submit your module assignments to the Centre for Continuing & Distance Education at
the address that is provided for you according to the due dates that are listed on your Class
Schedule.
Reading Assignments One to Four
Value:
See Grading Scheme
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
To apply your knowledge from your readings and to prepare for the Final Exam.
Description: Read the chapter(s) indicated from your Religion in Society textbook and answer
the questions in each Reading Assignment.
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SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Research/Essay Paper Assignments One to Three
Value:
See Grading Scheme
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
To explore the 3 controversial issues provided in the Article Reprints package
and write a research/essay paper.
Description: See Modules 1-3 for assignment information.
Research/Essay Paper Assignment Four
See Module 4 for assignment information.
Submitting Assignments
Submission forms and pre-addressed envelopes are included in your class materials package.
Assignments may be submitted by mail, fax, or in person. Some instructors may also accept
assignments submitted electronically. Check with your instructor on the preferred mode.
Options for Submitting Assignments:
•
•
•
•
Electronically to your instructor by e-mail or the Blackboard Learn system (check with
your instructor on preferred electronic mode).
By fax (with completed submission form) to CCDE at (306) 966-5245.
In person (with completed submission form) to the Main Office at the Centre for
Continuing and Distance Education (address below) Monday through Friday between
8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After Hours: Via the drop slot located at the top of the central
stairwell, on the Fourth Floor of the Williams Building (address below).
By mail (with completed submission form) to:
The Centre for Continuing and Distance Education (CCDE)
Room 464, Williams Building
University of Saskatchewan
221 Cumberland Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7N 1M3
Please note that assignments sent by mail should be postmarked no later than the due date,
and faxes should be sent prior to 4:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time on the due date. You should
keep a personal copy of all assignments submitted.
Page 6 of 9
SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Final Exam
Value:
30%
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
The final examination for this class will test your comprehension in regard to the
four modules covered.
Description: The exam will consist of multiple choice, definitions and fill-in-the-blank
questions, as well as a short essay section where you will have a choice as to what essay topics
you wish to respond to. You will have 2.5 hours to complete the final examination which will be
invigilated.
You must register to write the final examination by completing an Application Form for
Final Examination. The application form and further information will be forwarded to you in
early February.
Additional Information
•
The final examination is based on the content of the four Modules that you have
completed which should be the focal point of your studying. You do not have to
necessarily re-read the information in the textbook. The final exam is a closed book
exam and consists of three parts. Part One is a combination of definitions, multiple
choice, and fill-in-the-blanks and is worth 10%. Parts Two and Three are both short
essay sections. For each section, you have to choose one out of the four questions
provided. Each question in this section is worth 10%.
•
Each student must complete all four Module assignments and write the final exam
in order to pass the class. Even if the student’s grade is above 50%, but the student
has not completed all the assigned aspects of the class, he or she will be given an
automatic grade of 49%.
•
It is expected that all Module assignments will be submitted or post marked on the due
date or before. Any assignment that is more than a week late will have 10% deducted off
the grade for that assignment unless you inform the instructor of the reason why the
assignment is late and get permission for your late request. Any assignment that is more
than three weeks late may not be marked.
•
IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR ASSIGNMENTS RETURNED TO YOU, PLEASE SUBMIT
A COMPLETED SUBMISSION FORM, WHICH YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED
FROM THE CCDE OFFICE with your class package.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are strongly
encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access DSS
programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you may
have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information,
see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or [email protected].
Page 7 of 9
SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Integrity Defined
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for
Academic Conduct. More information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/forms/IntegrityDefined.pdf
Module Objectives
At the conclusion of each module, students should be able to do the following:
Module 1: The Sociological Perspective and the Various Sources of Religion
1. Describe what is meant by the scientific method.
2. State the two primary goals of Sociology.
3. Distinguish the difference between the substantive and the fundamental definitions of
religion.
4. Define concepts such as animism, totem, soul, and ritual.
5. Summarize the psychological explanation for people’s need for religion.
Module 2: Becoming Religious and the Church-Sect Continuum of Religious Organizations
1. Summarize the process of religious socialization.
2. Discuss why religiousity is difficult to define.
3. Describe the methods of conversion.
4. Discuss the factors that contribute to defections.
5. Explain cult recruitment techniques.
6. Distinguish the difference between church, sect, and cult.
Module 3: Forms of Religious Conflict and the Effects of Religion On the Economy
1. Explain how the conflict theory is relevant to religion.
2. Explain the basis of religious conflicts.
3. Provide some examples of religious conflicts.
4. Explain the relationship between organized religion and the economy.
5. Discuss the concept of Calvinist theology.
6. Explain why Weber believed that the Protestant ethic contributed to the growth of
capitalism.
Module 4: The Role of Women In Religion and Where Does Religion Go From Here
1. Explain the roles that women played in religion throughout history.
2. Discuss how some religions treat women as second-class citizens.
3. Discuss the emergence of female clergy.
4. Explain what is meant by “goddess spirituality”.
5. Explain why the most conservative denominations have a significant increase in
attendance.
6. Explain some of the predictions for the future of religion.
Page 8 of 9
SOC 321.3 – The Sociology of Religion
Acknowledgements
The University of Saskatchewan gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following in
producing this class:
•
Class Author, B. Bryan Puk, B.A., B.Ed., M.A., P.G.D. (Ed.), Department of Sociology,
University of Saskatchewan.
•
The Instructional Design team from CCDE.
•
The students that provided Bryan with feedback regarding how to make this class more
interesting and educational.
•
Bryan’s co-workers in the Sociology Department who have always been a source of
support and inspiration.
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