SOCA3902
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course covers religion in contemporary societies, and in particular the impact of religion on the political arena. Topics include religion and social policy, the rise of religious fundamentalism, the rise of atheism, gender and religion issues and intersections between religion and the state. Case studies are drawn from various societies and cultural arenas. The aim is to enable students to reach a sympathetic yet critical understanding of the place of these developments in contemporary societies.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Online
- Winter - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the variety of religious expressions in the contemporary world.
2. Make informed and intelligent judgments and appreciations of such expressions.
3. Effectively communicate the social, political and cultural conditions which give rise to such expressions.
4. Critically analyse the impact on the political process, local and global, of such expressions, in particular in regard to processes of identity formation at individual and group levels.
5. Demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of key concepts employed in this field, including "globalisation," "secularisation" and "fundamentalism".
6. Demonstrate high-level oral and written communication skills.
Content
Topics include the development of religious fundamentalisms, gender and religion issues, left-wing religious movements of resistance to social oppression, and intersections between religion and environmental politics. Case studies are drawn from various societies and cultural arenas. The aim is to enable students to reach a sympathetic yet critical understanding of the place of these developments in contemporary societies.
Assumed knowledge
40 units of study at 1000 level.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Written Response
In Term Test: Class test
Online Learning Activity: On-line Assessments
Contact hours
Winter - 2024 - Online
Seminar-1
- Online 6 hour(s) per week(s) for 4 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.