INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

January 11: Introduction to Class

January 13: The Why and What Of Sociology of Religion

January 16: A Sociologist's Look At "I Have A Dream"

January 18: Field Methods Lecture

January 20: Interaction Exercise

THEORY AND PHILOSOPHY

January 23: Durkheim's Elementary Forms of Religious Life I

January 25: Durkheim's Elementary Forms of Religious Life II

January 27: Durkheim's Elementary Forms of Religious Life III

January 30: Marx And The Conflict Approach To Religion

February 1: Weber's Protestant Ethic

February 3: Weber's Soteriology and Theodicy

February 6: Dubois On Religion 

February 8: Secularization Theory

February 10: Rational Choice Theory 

Religion As Society

February 13: Individuals - Conversion

February 15: Individuals - "Unbecoming Religious"

February 17:TOWN MEETING 1

“Does Being Religious Require You To Attend Religious Services?” 

Examinations Are Due By Email Attachment

February 20: Churches, Sects, and Cults (Oh My!)

February 22: Churches, Sects and Cults

February 24:TOWN MEETING 2

“Does Morality Need Religion?” 

February 27: Religious Pluralism

First Set Of Field Notes Is Due By Email Attachment

March 1: Religious Conflict

March 3:TOWN MEETING 3

“Is War Justified In The Judeo-Christian Ethic?” 

March 6-10: SPRING BREAK

Religion In Society

March 13: Protestant Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism

March 15: Jewish and Islamic Fundamentalism

March 17: Spiritualism and other New Religious Movements

March 20: Religion and the Public Sphere I

March 22: Religion and the Public Sphere II

March 24:TOWN MEETING 4

“Should Creationism and/or Intelligent Design Be Taught In Public Schools?” 

March 27: Religion and the Private Sphere I

Second Set Of Field Notes Is Due By Email Attachment

March 29: Religion and the Private Sphere II

March 31:TOWN MEETING 5

“Should There Be A Strict Separation Between Church and State?” 

April 3: Religion and Ethnicity I

April 5: Religion and Ethnicity II

April 7:TOWN MEETING 6

“Are There Some Religions It Is Okay To Discriminate Against?” 

April 10: Religion and Gender I

April 12: Religion and Gender II

April 14:TOWN MEETING 7

“Is God Sexist?” 

April 17: Religion and Sexuality I

April 19: Religion and Sexuality II

April 21: NO CLASS - Work on Papers

April 24:TOWN MEETING 8

“Does The Bible Forbid Same-Sex Relationships?” 

Final Paper Is Due IN CLASS!!