James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2009

SY2016 - Gods, Myths and Cults

[Offered in odd-numbered years]

Credit points: 03
Year: 2009
Student Contribution Band: Band 1
Administered by: School of Arts & Social Sciences

This 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 Outcomes

Assumed
Knowledge:
To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level
Inadmissible
Subject
Combinations:
AN2110 and AN3110 and SY3016

Availabilities

Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 28-Aug-2009
Coordinator: Dr Mervyn Bendle
Contact hours:
  • 26 hours lectures
  • 12 hours tutorials
    Assessment:end of semester exam (40%); presentations (10%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); comparative exercise (15%); essays (25%).

    Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.