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Course Description:
This upper division course reviews the major lines of
classical and contemporary sociological thinking on religious consciousness
and religious practice. How does society influence religion? How does
religion influence society? What is religion's social significance in
contemporary society? The course will consider these and other
questions by exploring a variety of social expressions of religion.
It will also examine the social bases of churches, sects, and cults, and
focus on contemporary religion in the United States. The course will
be taught at an advanced level but does not require previous work in
Sociology. (3 SCH)
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Course Objectives:
The course will teach 1) classical statements on religious
consciousness, 2) contemporary theoretical initiatives in the analysis of religion,
and 3) current research on religion.
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Books and other materials required:
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Two books, a text and a reader, will be used
in the course. Additional materials include reserve readings and handouts.
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Student Performance Expectations and Evaluation:
1. Regular attendance and participation in class
activities (15% of the course grade):
Classes consist of lecture and discussion. Students are required to
actively participate in class discussions based on the assignments for the
day. Bring up issues that intrigue, excite, and motivate you. There may be
many, who share your ideas and many who have never heard such ideas before,
or you may want to refine what you know already in a group context. The
discussions can be successful only with your diligent preparation and
active participation.
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3. Term paper (25%): All are required to write a term paper, 10-12 pages
in length (excluding bibliography), with at least six references listed in
ASA format.
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3. Two-page
reports: You are required to write nine reports on the assigned readings
for each week. They should normally consist of a brief summary of the
readings, elucidation of one or more important points followed by personal
reflection.
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Grading:
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Attendance and class participation (15% of the course
grade)
Reports (60% of the course grade)
Report
1 (10%)
Report
2 (10%)
Report
3 (10%)
Report
4 (10%)
Report
5 (10%)
Report
6 (10%)
Paper (25%)
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Numerical translation of grade levels:
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A
= 90-100
B =
80-89
C =
70-79
D = 60
- 69
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Suggestions for success:
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a) Read carefully and keep handy this syllabus. You are
responsible for following it through
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b) Attend all regularly scheduled classes. If one must be
absent, it is your responsibility to get all the materials/information
covered. Assignments are made during class and the student is responsible
for all information conveyed during class.
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c) Come to class on time. Arriving late or leaving early
is very distracting to all. However it is better to come late than
completely missing the class
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d) Don't procrastinate. Putting off assignments for
later is unwise as something will come up begging your attention, leaving
you with no time. Be prepared for each class. Take class notes, and make
sure to review them. Be prepared to spend adequate amount of time for
reading and homework assignments.
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e) Submit all written assignments on time, following the
directions. Use the library resources for assistance with writing problems
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f) Above all, approach the subject with a pragmatic
outlook. Think of it as something very helpful in leading a resourceful
life.
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