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LocationDomesticInternational
OnlineSession 2Session 2

Unit description

Introduces students to key theoretical approaches to the sociological study of religion. Particularly the unit focuses on the relationships between religious and political worldviews underlying contemporary social issues such as terrorism, abortion and homosexuality. Students will explore the history, main social teachings and beliefs of Judaism, Christianity or Islam as a basis for examining contemporary religious fundamentalisms.

Unit content

Module 1 Understanding religion
Topic 1 Religion as a social phenomenon
Topic 2 Types of religion
Topic 3 Types of monotheistic religion

Module 2 Religion in society
Topic 4 Secularisation theory
Topic 5 Religion in the public sphere
Topic 6 Theories of religious affiliation
Topic 7 Fundamentalism and conservative politics

Module 3 Religion and politics
Topic 8 Violence and the social construction of evil
Topic 9 Gender and sexuality
Topic 10 Migration
Topic 11 Sociology and religious faith

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1describe the history, key teachings and beliefs of Judaism, Christianity and IslamCreativityCultural competence
2explain the social dimensions of religions and religious beliefCreativityCultural competence
3discuss the historical relationships between religious and secular lawsEthical practice
4analyse relationships between religious and political worldviewsEthical practice
5critically examine the role of religion in violence and gender issues.Ethical practice

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe the history, key teachings and beliefs of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  2. explain the social dimensions of religions and religious belief
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA7: Cultural competence
  3. discuss the historical relationships between religious and secular laws
    • GA3: Ethical practice
  4. analyse relationships between religious and political worldviews
    • GA3: Ethical practice
  5. critically examine the role of religion in violence and gender issues.
    • GA3: Ethical practice

Prescribed texts

  • Possamai, A, 2009, Sociology of religion for generations x and y, Equinox, London.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning 2 hours (12 weeks)
Tutorial online 1 hour (12 weeks)
Assessment
Blog13%
Essay47%
Exam: open book40%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2020 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 1

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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