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SOC-20075 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 15 May 2024

SOC-20075 - Belief, Belonging and Ritual
Coordinator: James Skinner
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Religion has been an enduring feature of human societies around the world throughout history. While some argue modern societies have become less religious over time, religion continues to shape the lives of many around the world. In this module we will study religious belief, belonging and ritual in a variety of ways. Focusing particularly on Europe and the United States, but with an eye on the global, we will explore key religious developments and trends, including the popularity of non-churched spirituality, religion and crime, religion in prisons, and the emergence of controversial cults. What is the relationship between religion and morality? What might the future of religion look like in our increasingly digital AI-driven world? We will consider these questions, and many others, as we explore the religious belief, belonging and ritual from sociological and criminological perspectives.

Aims
- To introduce the key sociological and criminological concepts, theories and perspectives concerning religious belief, belonging and ritual.
- To explore the relationship between religion, society and social change.
- To examine the ways in which religion is practiced and organised across different historical and contemporary contexts.
- To explore the ways in which religion is related to social class, gender and ethnicity.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of sociological and criminological scholarship concerning religious belief, belonging and ritual.: 1,2
Identify and critically evaluate issues and debates in social scientific scholarship on religion.: 1,2
Demonstrate understanding of the ways religion features as a central part of social life in a variety of historical and contemporary contexts.: 1,2
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the methods and findings of empirical social scientific research on religion.: 1,2

Study hours

22 contact hours - 11 lectures / 11 tutorials
44 additional active learning hours comprising set readings and tasks related to seminar preparation
24 independent study
60 hours assessment preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 60%
1500 word essay chosen from a list of questions
Students will be given a choice of essay questions. There will be a question relating to each topic week so students are able to write on a topic that most interests them. The questions will prompt students to compare and contrast different perspectives and debates covered in the module, and to demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse and evaluate the module material.

2: Presentation weighted 40%
1000 word presentation report
Students will give a 10 minute in class group presentation on a key aspect of the module and then report on their research in an individual 1000 word presentation report. Drawing on the essential and further reading from the module, students will identify and critically evaluate the key issues and debates related to their chosen topic area. The grade students receive will be based on the written presentation report, and will be an individual grade. Students must have delivered the 10-minute group presentation to be able to submit the report.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 15 May 2024