Sociology of Religion: Theories and Methods (2025/2026: Periode 3)

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Cursusdoel

This course provides an introduction to the sociology of religion. Sociology is one of the key disciplinary approaches to the study of religion. At the same time, religion has been a core theme in sociology since the emergence of the discipline in the nineteenth century. In this course, students will develop the following field-specific competences:
  • Acquiring knowledge of, and insight into, key issues in the sociology of religion
  • Mastering basic theories and concepts relevant to the study of religion in society
  • Applying these theories and concepts to a variety of religion-related social phenomena
  • Reflecting critically on the advantages and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research on religion
Furthermore, students practice the following general academic skills:
  • Reading academic texts effectively and efficiently
  • Finding and evaluating relevant literature about a specific topic
  • Giving an oral presentation
  • Writing an academic text
  • Making correct references to academic literature

Vakinhoudelijk

How can we grasp the role of religion in society in the 21st-century? For a long time, sociologists assumed that modernization inevitably leads to secularization. But whereas a steady decrease in church membership and attendance in mainstream Christianity in Western Europe is undeniable, sociologists disagree on what this means. Are we witnessing a decline of religion or is religion only changing shape? How has the religious landscape become diversified as a result of immigration and globalization? And how to explain the fact that all over the world, religious revival movements manifest themselves as major public players, often by making prolific use of the latest media technologies? These are burning questions in the sociology of religion. In the first half of this course, we will discuss foundational thinkers and key concepts, with special focus on the rise and critique of secularization theory. In the second half, we will explore new foci in the sociology of religion: from religious revival movements to New Age spirituality, and from super-diversity to the mediatization of religion.

Aanvullende informatie

Cursus is onderdeel van basispakket/minor/kernpakket

This course has priority rules and a waiting list. Your enrolment is guaranteed if you
  • are a student in the BA Islam en Arabisch or BA Religiewetenschappen and this course is part of your specialisation (verdiepingspakket).
  • are a student in the BA Liberal Arts and Sciences or Taal- en Cultuurstudies and this course is part of your specialisation (kernpakket)
  • are enrolled in the minor Religiewetenschappen
  • are a student in the BA Sociology (UU)
  • are an exchange student and meet the course’s entry requirements.
In all other situations, you will be placed on a waiting list if you enrol in this course. For any remaining slots in the course, lots are drawn among the students on the waiting list.

Werkvormen

Hoorcollege

Werkcollege
Toelichting

The lectures offer insight into key authors and themes. In the working groups students will discuss the literature and present assignments that will be assembled in a mino-portfolio.

Voorbereiding

Reading literature, preparing presentations, active participation in discussions.

Toetsing

Portfolio

Verplicht | Weging 60% | Minimum cijfer 5,0 | ECTS 4,5

Take home 1

Verplicht | Weging 40% | Minimum cijfer 5,0 | ECTS 3

Knowledge of key issues, basic theories and concepts in the sociology of religion

To be announced.

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Je moet minimaal 15 punten voor categorie 1 (Bachelor Inleiding) hebben behaald

Voorkennis

Er is geen informatie over benodigde voorkennis bekend.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Thema's

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    There is no handbook for this course. We will read a variety of journal articles and book chapters that are available via the university library.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. M.A. van Es M.A.vanEs@uu.nl

Docenten

Inschrijving

Deze cursus is open voor bijvakkers. Controleer wel of er aanvullende ingangseisen gelden.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 3 november 2025 tot en met vrijdag 21 november 2025

Naar OSIRIS-inschrijvingen
Permanente link naar de cursuspagina
Laat in de Cursus-Catalogus zien