SY2016:03
Gods, Myths and Cults
| Townsville | HECS Band 1 |
26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials. Semester 1.
Staff: Dr M Bendle.
The subject offers an introduction to the sociology of religion. It will proceed historically and thematically, examining topics which are central to the discipline and of relevance to the interests of students. Such areas as the following will be covered: a concise historical overview of the sociology of religion; the sociology of religious experience; the global religious context and the comparative approach to the study of religion; religion in Australian society; religion and the human person; secularisation and the rise of modern atheism; mythology and self in modern society; new religious movements and the new age; conservative and radical religious critiques of modernity.
Learning Objectives:
- identify the key figures, schools and central themes of the sociology of religion;
- display a sociological understanding of religious traditions and issues;
- apply skills in analysing relevant issues;
- formulate independent critical ideas and arguments.
Assessment by tutorial participation (10%); tutorial presentation (10%); comparative exercise (15%); minor essay (25%); final examination (40%).