The aim of this module is to enable students to think sociologically about the complex forms that religion, ethics and belief has in people's lived experience. Whilst addressing key debates within the sociology of religion (e.g. secularisation, subjectivisation), it seeks to introduce students to core concepts and methods in sociology that will enable them to understand lived experiences and practices of religion, ethics and belief in terms of broader social structures and processes. Examples of issues covered in the module include: the nature of sociology as a discipline, macro and micro levels of analysis, the agency/structure debate and the nature of social structure, individualisation, and sociological perspectives on gender, class, emotion, materiality, lived ethics and the varying social forms and roles of belief. The significance of intersectionality between different social structures will also be discussed, and useful sources of secondary data (e.g. BRIN) will be explored. The central assessment task for the module – a case study presenting the sociological analysis of the nature and place of religion, ethics and belief in a particular individual’s life – brings these theoretical and methodological approaches together into a micro-level analysis of lived religion in a way that is informed by broader social and cultural structures. Examples of good writing in this style of sociological research are presented and explored through the module.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Total Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay (1,000 words) – 20%
Case Study (4,000 words) – 80%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (3,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of sociology as a discipline;
2. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of key sociological concepts and debates (e.g. in relation to structure and agency);
3. Analyse how people's lived forms of religion, ethics and belief may be shaped in relation to social structures and processes such as secularisation, individualisation, gender and class;
4. Integrate clear descriptions of human experience, contexts, and practices with relevant sociological concepts and frameworks;
5. Critically analyse how the place of religion, ethics and belief in the life of an individual can be understood with reference to processes of agency and structure.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Undertake fieldwork research in a sensitive and empathic way which demonstrates an understanding of core principles of ethical research;
2. Undertake a proactive approach to searching for relevant academic literature in relation to the particular social contexts, structures or processes they are discussing;
3. Identify relevant secondary data from non-academic sources which may help to set their analysis and argument in context.
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