SOC 342
Syllabus: Sociology of Religion
Spring Semester 2012
Location: KG-212
TR 9:30-10:45
Instructor: Dr. Matthew Vos
Office: BH 107
Work Phone: 419-1419
Vos Home Phone: 706-931-2552
e-mail: vos@covenant.edu
Required Text:
Roberts, Keith, & Yamane, David. (2012). Religion in Sociological Perspective, 5th
edition, Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
Ancillary Readings on Library Electronic Reserve (library.covenant.edu)
All students must have their own copy of the Roberts and Yamane text to continue in the
course.
Course Description
“A study of religion from the perspective of sociology rather than theology. Attention is
given to such topics as the dimensions of religiosity, religious socialization, civil religion
in America, the secularization controversy, and the future of religion.”
Sociology of religion assumes that religion is not purely a “spiritual phenomenon.” It has
both social causes and consequences. If we were to analyze religious forms of expression
and how they might be other than what God intended, then it is necessary to understand
how the spiritual and the social interact. Without this understanding, our perception of
religion will always be biased and, probably, distorted.
This course is designed to cover a number of different areas of concern. A major
objective is to look at various problems and issues in religion in a practical and applied
fashion. Whatever the object of study, we will concentrate on understanding religion and
its meaning in everyday life.
Course Objectives, Methods for Meeting Objectives, Means of Assessment:
As a result of taking this course, a student should be able to:
Objective 1: Understand that religion performs a variety of social functions because it differs from a
faith.
A.. Instructional activities include: class lecture, discussion, reading of course texts.
SOC 342
B. Primary means of assessment are: written and oral responses to reading assignments, class
participation, and exams.
Objective 2: Understand some of the social causes and consequences of religion.
A. Instructional activities include: class lecture, discussion, watching “The Jolo Serpent
Handlers,” “Jonestown,” and the “Shakers,” reading course texts, conducting primary and
experiential research projects.
B. Primary means of assessment are: written and oral responses to reading assignments, exams,
evaluation of course research projects, evaluation of article critiques.
Objective 3: Appreciate the social implications inherent in other religious traditions.
A. Instructional activities include: class lecture and discussion, interaction with course text and
readings, journaling.
B. Primary means of assessment are: evaluation of experiential research project, and exams.
Objective 4: Learn to evaluate research on a variety of problems in sociology of religion.
A. Instructional activities include: In-class discussion of sociological methods, lectures, and
interaction with material in course texts.
B. Primary means of assessment are: critiques of journal articles in the field, evaluation of
secondary research project.
Objective 5: Develop an awareness of problems in religion that influence daily decision-making.
A. Instructional Activities include: Informal in-class examination of current newspaper, comics,
and periodical material from the popular media, interaction with course texts and readings,
lecture.
B. Primary means of assessment are: exams, evaluation of course research projects, evaluation of
article critiques.
Objective 6: Understand how personal Christian faith differs from broad religious meaning and how
to interpret that faith in terms of contemporary social and religious life.
A. Instructional activities include: In-class discussion on reserve readings, journaling, lectures.
B. Primary means of assessment are: written and oral responses to course materials, preparation
of research projects, critiques of class materials, and exams.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Three non-cumulative essay tests. The emphasis will be on analytical and critical views of the
subject matter. 45% (15%, 15%, 15%) (Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
2.
Preparation of two short “research” projects; primary, and experiential. The emphasis will be on
developing a broad and problematic view of religion. 10% each (=20%) (Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
3.
Reflective journal writing (article critiques). 20% (Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
4.
Preparation of a critical book review. 15% (Objectives 1, 2, 6)
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Assignment
Due Date (TBA)
Your Grade
Test One
_______
_______
Test Two
_______
_______
Test Three
_______
_______
Primary Research
_______
_______
Experiential Research
_______
_______
Book Review
_______
_______
Late assignments are not accepted, unless there are significant extenuating circumstances like a
documented illness or death in the family.
CLASS POLICY:
You are permitted (though not encouraged) to miss three class periods during this course. You do not need
to notify me of your absence and I do not need to know the reason. Beyond that I deduct 5% from your
final course grade for any additional missed classes. You are counted present if recorded on the
instructor’s attendance form, and absent if not. If you come in late, it is your responsibility to inform me
and have your presence recorded. Information missed during classes where you are not present is your
responsibility.
You may not be absent during test periods (unless you have a documented medical/family emergency).
Any student determined to be cheating on any portion of any assignment or test will fail the course and
may be withdrawn from the college. Any student aiding another student in cheating on any portion of the
course will be withdrawn from the course. Please consult the 2011/12 academic bulletin for more
information on penalties for cheating. I will vigorously advocate for the harshest penalties legally possible
for anyone who cheats in any way during this course.
Assignments must be submitted on time and at the beginning of class. The instructor reserves the right to
lower a grade for late submissions based on his judgment. The instructor is not obligated to accept late
submissions at all, and in general will not accept late submissions unless you have a good excuse such as “I
was in love and lost track of the time.” You may not work on assignments during class time. You may not
study for or do work for any other course during class time. I consider this very serious and you may be
withdrawn from the class if you do.
Work that is late or exams that are missed due to a disciplinary action against a student may not be made
up.
We will develop a technology use policy as a class during the first week of the course.
If you have any condition which requires special assistance, please see the professor privately to make such
arrangements.
SOC 342
COURSE CALENDAR
Please note that while the instructor will make reasonable effort to stay on schedule, the amount of time
required for various topics may vary due to student interest, length of class discussions, etc. The instructor
reserves the right to modify the schedule as he sees fit. However, rest assured that any changes will be
announced in advance.
Jan. 10
Introduction to the Sociology of Religion
12, 17
Ch. 1
The Meaning of Religion
19, 24
Ch. 2
A Social Scientific Perspective on Religion
26, 31
Ch. 3
Religion in the Larger Society: Macro Perspectives
Feb. 2, 9
Ch. 4
Cultural Construction of Rel.: Experience, Myth, Ritual, Symbols & Worldview
14
EXAM #1
16, 21
Ch. 5
Becoming and Being Religious
23, 28
Ch. 6
Conversion and Switching
Movie: Jonestown
Mar. 1, 13
Ch. 7 Organized Religion: Churches, Sects, Denominations, and Cults
Movie: The Shakers
15, 20
Ch. 8
Organized Religion: Denominationalism and Congregationalism
Movie: The Jolo Serpent Handlers
22
EXAM #2
27, 29
Ch. 9
Apr. 5, 10
Ch. 10 Religion and Race
12, 17
Ch. 11 Religion, Gender, and Sexuality
19, 24
Ch. 12 Religion, Inequality, and Social Activism
Religion and Social Stratification
(If time remains) Ch. 13 Secularization: Rel. in Decline or Transformation? (and selections from 14)
EXAM #3: (Exam Schedule)
Readings Journal Schedule
Journal entries are due, at the beginning of class on the stated due date. The instructor may change some of
the following due dates, depending on circumstances, and with advance notice to the student.
(see next page…)
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Reading number (readings are numbered in the syllabus (below), but alphabetized by title in the electronic
library reserve folder for this course).
#1, 2
#3, 4, 5
#6, 7
#8, 9
#10, 11, 12
#13, 14, 15
#16, 17, 18
#19, 20, 21
#22, 23, 24
#25, 26, 27
#28, 29, 30
January 17
January 24
January 31
February 14
February 21
February 28
March 13
March 22
March 29
April 10
April 24
(i.e., read all three, but pick any two to write about)
Journals: Students will write a journal entry on each of the assigned readings - a minimum of 300 words
for each article or chapter. On dates when there are three readings listed (i.e., January24, #3,4,5) the
student is required to journal on any two (skip any one article/chapter for that date). However, I still
require and expect that you read each of the selections, and I may include material from any of the readings
on tests. In each journal entry, the student will reflect on and respond to the reading. Your submitting a
journal entry indicates you have read the article or chapter in its entirety. Please do not submit if you have
not done the reading. During the course, you may skip any two journal entries. Journals will be evaluated
as follows:
2 points: Addresses assigned reading in a manner that reflects an accurate understanding of the reading or
demonstrates thoughtful reflection on assigned reading.
1 point: Addresses assigned reading but with little development or a less than accurate grasp of the reading
or is less than 300 words
0 points: No credit because the journal 1) does not address assigned reading; 2) indicates little or no
understanding of reading; 3) is late; 4) is significantly less than 300 words.
At the top of your journal turn-in, place the following information:
(Example)
Soc of Rel/Vos
Reading #1, Author/Title of Reading, Date____
Your Name_____
Box #_____
Use a 12 point font, and margins similar to those on this page (MS Word default margins). Your
assignment should be single spaced, and free of spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Place a
word count at the end of each entry.
Texts invite you to interact with an author in some way that opens you up to new understandings, reaffirms
old ones, brings comfort, stimulates discomfort, and so on. This journal assignment asks you to critically
interact with various authors in ways that demonstrate to me that you’ve grappled with some of the issues
they present. To “critically” interact, you must take the author seriously (it doesn’t mean to criticize).
Journal assignments are not places where you may be dismissive of the author, where you may belittle his
or her ideas, or where you may complain about the things he writes. Rather, approach your journaling from
a stance of respect for the author and for what she has to say. Think of the author as a colleague with
whom you are having a discussion. If he disturbs you at points, write about how and why you think you
feel as you do. If things he writes feel affirming to you, write about that. Linguist Deborah Tannen uses
the phrase “read as though you believe.” I think this is a good way to approach these journal entries.
Please do not use the words, “I do not agree with…” in your journal entries. You may critically
appraise the material, but your agreement or disagreement with the author is not of interest to me.
SOC 342
Do not spend the bulk of your writing on retelling the article/chapter to me. Don’t reprint overly long
quotes, etc. Work to avoid “dead level abstraction” – that is, move between the abstract/conceptual levels
and the concrete levels. A good way to approach the assignment is to identify concepts or ideas that the
author presents, explicate those concepts, and then provide concrete examples from your life and
experience which help support or refute those concepts. For example, when I teach, I tend to identify
concepts from the texts we use, and then I will narrate those concepts with personal examples from my
family, church life, and so on. Please make clear to me which portions of the text you are drawing on in
your assignment (page numbers, etc.).
** I will always read your journal entries in their entirety. I may or may not write comments on them.
Sociology of Religion Course Readings
1.
Berger, P. L. 1974. “Some Second Thoughts on Substantive versus Functional Definitions of
Religion.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 13, 2, p. 125-133.
2.
Bellah, R. N. 1970. “Christianity and Symbolic Realism.” Journal for the Scientific Study of
Religion, 9, 2, p. 89-96.
3.
Ellul, J. 1986. “Desacralization and Sacralization.” Chapter 3 in The Subversion of Christianity.
Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdman’s Publishing Co. p. 52-68.
4.
Wuthnow, R. 1990. “Living the Question: Evangelical Christianity and Critical
Thought, Cross Currents, 40, 2, p. 160-175.
5. Lewis, Bernard. 2003. “I’m Right, You’re Wrong, Go to Hell: Religions and the
Meeting of Civilization.” The Atlantic Monthly. May.
6. Smith, Christian. 2005. “On ‘Moralistic Therapeutic Deism’ as U.S. Teenagers’
Actual, Tacit, De Facto Religious Faith.” Princeton Lectures on Youth, Church,
and Culture.
7. Clapp, Rodney. 1997. “The Theology of Consumption and the Consumption of
Theology: Toward a Christian Response to Consumerism. In The Consuming
Passion: Christianity and the Consumer Culture. edited by Rodney Clapp.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. pp. 169-204 of 224. ISBN 0-8308-1897-9
8.
9.
Hammond, Philip E., and James Davison Hunter. 1984. “On Maintaining
Plausibility: The Worldview of Evangelical College Students.” Journal for the
Scientific Study of Religion. 23, 221-239.
Chernus, I. “Summary of Berger’s The Sacred Canopy.” University of Colorado at
Boulder.
10. Rambo, Lewis B. 1993. “Models and Methods.” Chapter 1 in Understanding
Religious Conversion. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. pp. 5-19 of 240.
ISBN 0-300-06515-9
11. Kirkpatrick, Lee A. and Phillip R. Shaver. 1990. “Attachment Theory and Religion: Childhood
Attachments, Religious Beliefs, and Conversion.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 29, 3,
p. 315-334.
12. Smith, Christian. 2007. “Why Christianity Works: An Emotions-Focused
Phenomenological Account.” Sociology of Religion, 68, 2, 165-178.
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13. Bibby, R. W. 1978. “Why Conservative Churches Really are Growing: Kelley
Revisited.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 17, 2, p. 129-137.
14. Hadaway, C. K. and Roof, W. C. 1979. “Those who Stay Religious ‘Nones’ and Those Who Don’t:
A Research Note.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 18, 2, p. 194-200.
15. Perrin, R. D., Kennedy, P., and Miller, D. E. 1997. “Examining the Sources of Conservative Church
Growth: Where are the New Evangelical Movements Getting their Numbers?” Journal for the
Scientific Study of Religion, 36, 1, p. 71-80.
16. Hood, R. W., Jr. “Religious Orientation and the Experience of Transcendence.” Journal for the
Scientific Study of Religion, 12, 4, p. 441-448.
17. Berger, P. L. 1998. “Protestantism and the Quest for Certainty.” Christian Century.
August/September, p. 782-796.
18. Vos, M. (Abstract on Robert Wuthnow’s Rediscovering the Sacred: Perspectives on Religion in
Contemporary Society, 1992, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.)
19. Burns, S. 2004. “Trusting the Theology of a Slave Owner.” Chapter 7 in A GodEntranced Vision of All Things. John Piper and Justin Taylor, eds. Crossway
Books, p. 145-171.
20. Allport, Gordon W. and J. Michael Ross. 1967. “Personal Religious Orientation and Prejudice.”
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 5, 4, p. 432-443.
21. Emerson, M. O. and Smith, C. 2000. “Let’s be Friends: Exploring Solutions to the
Race Problem.” Chapter 6 in Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the
Problems of Race. New York, Oxford University Press.
22. Chaves, M. 1997. “The Symbolic Significance of Women’s Ordination.” Chapter 2 in Ordaining
Women: Culture and Conflict in Religious Organizations. Harvard University Press, p. 14-37.
23. Neitz, M. 2003. “Dis/Location: Engaging Feminist Inquiry in the Sociology of Religion.” In
Handbook of the Sociology of Religion, Michele Dillon, ed., Cambridge University Press.
24. Braude, A. 1997. “Women’s History Is American Religious History.” Chapter 3 in Retelling U. S.
Religious History, Thomas Tweed, ed. Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press.
25. Warner, R. S. 1993. “Work in Progress toward a New Paradigm for the
Sociological Study of Religion in the United States.” American Journal of
Sociology, 98, 5, p. 1044-1093.
26. Neuhaus, R. J. 2009. “Secularizations.” First Things, 190, p. 23-28.
27. De Groat, C. 2005. “A Growing Hunger for Honesty and Authenticity : Younger Evangelicals in the
PCA.” By Faith, January/February, p. 26-29.
28. Wuthnow, R. 1994. “Introduction: The Small-Group Movement.” In Sharing the Journey: Support
Groups and America’s New Quest for Community. New York, The Free Press.
29. Shelley, B. L. and Shelley M. 1992. “Church, Parachurch, and Nochurch.” Chapter 5 in The
Consumer Church. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. p. 57-67.
30. Price, J. L. “An American Apotheosis: Sports as Popular Religion.” Chapter 10 in Religion and
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Popular Culture in America, B. D. Forbes and J. H. Mahan, eds. Los Angeles, CA: University of
California Press. p. 201-218.