Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2116: Sociology and Demography of Religion

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

Students in this module gain in-depth knowledge of central theories and current debates in the sociology of religion. In addition, this module provides an opportunity to enhance practical skills in data analysis and improved competence in using R software. These tools enable students to pursue their own independent research.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of current theories and debates in the sociology of religion.
2. assess empirical studies in the sociology of religion.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate understanding of key concepts in sociology.
4. demonstrate understanding of relevant research methods employed in the study of religious trends.
Personal and Key Skills5. demonstrate competence in using R software for data analysis
6. Demonstrate written analytical skills by producing a research report on deadline.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Bruce, S. (2011). Secularization: In defence of unfashionable theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Davie, G. (1990). Believing without belonging: Is this the future of religion in Britain? Social Compass 37(4), 455-469.

Davie, G. (2013). The sociology of religion: A critical agenda (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Greeley, A. M. (2003). Religion in Europe at the end of the second millennium: A sociological profile. New Brunswick, N.J.: Transaction Publishers.

Hackett, C., Stonawski, M., Potan?oková, M., Grim, B. J., Skirbekk, V. (2015). The future size of religiously affiliated and unaffiliated populations. Demographic Research, 32(27), 829-841.

Iannaccone, L. R., Finke, R. and Stark, R. (1997). Deregulating religion: The economics of church and state. Economic Inquiry, 35(2), 350-364.

Jagodzinski, W. and Manabe, K. (2009). On the similarity of religiosity in different cultures. In Haller, M. Jowell, R. and Smith T. (Eds.) The international social survey programme, 1984-2009: Charting the globe (pp. 313-336). Abingdon, Oxon; New York: Routledge

Kaufmann, E., Goujon, A. and Skirbekk, V. (2012). The end of secularization in Europe?: A socio-demographic perspective. Sociology of Religion, 73, 69-91.

Knippenberg, H. (2005). The changing religious landscape of Europe. Amsterdam: Het Spinhuis.

Lehrer, E. L. (2009). Religion, economics, and demography: The effects of religion on education, work, and the family. London; New York: Routledge.

McQuillan, K. (2004). When does Religion Influence Fertility? Population and Development Review, 30(1), 25-56.

Norris, P. and Inglehart, R. (2004). Sacred and secular: Religion and politics worldwide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Trzebiatowska, M. and Bruce, S. (2012). Why are women more religious than men? Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Voas, D. 2009. The rise and fall of fuzzy fidelity in Europe. European Sociological Review, 25(2), 155-168.

Voas, D. and Crockett, A. (2005). Religion in Britain: Neither believing nor belonging. Sociology, 39 (1), 11-28.