Religion, Power & Social Change

This course introduces the sociology of religion and a comparative analysis of religion in the modern world. It begins with an overview of classical approaches within the social scientific study of religion, including historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives. It then examines contemporary approaches with an emphasis on the role of religions within social movements, social contestation, and social change. Specific topics include the Enlightenment critique of religion, the secularization debate, the resurgence of religion in late modernity, and new and emergent religious movements.