Module SOC3118 for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SOC3118: 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.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of current theories and debates in the sociology of religion. 2. Critically assess empirical studies in the sociology of religion. |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Demonstrate a critical and reflective understanding of key concepts in sociology. 4. employ relevant research methods in the study of religious trends. |
| Personal and Key Skills | 5. demonstrate competence in using R software for data analysis 6. conduct independent research work within a limited time frame. |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical exercise of data analysis in R | 500 words | 3-6 | Written feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research report | 100 | 3500 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research report | Research report (3500 words) | 1-6 | August/September re-assessment period |
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.
