Prerequisite(s): 6 hours of sociology or consent of instructor.
An overview of the relationship between society and religion with a particular focus on modern developments (e.g., religious violence, new religious movements). The course builds on the strong foundations laid by early social theorists such as Max Weber and Emile Durkheim. Students will develop an understanding of both the religious landscape past and present and of the challenges and opportunities faced by researchers in the sociology of religion.