Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102201

Coordinator Adam Possamai Opens in new window

Description Covering Australia and other parts of the world, this unit explores current social theories of religion at the micro, meso, macro, and cyber levels. Starting from the micro or individual level, it deals with theories on the emergence of post-dogmatic religion and the growth of subjectivised forms of religion in the non-institutional field. It then moves to the group or meso level and covers the activities of religious and non-religious groups in the public and post-secular sphere. It then reaches the global (macro) level to discuss notions of multiple modernities, transnationalism and civilizational analysis. Finally, at the cyber level the unit analyses recent theories on the impact of new social media on religion.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Studies In Human Society

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Assumed Knowledge

Students must have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate and articulate major theories and theorists in religion and society
2. Illustrate critical reading and writing skills in social theory
3. Critique the literature and concepts routinely employed in contemporary social science discourses on religion and society

Subject Content

1. Emergence of post-dogmatic religion
2. Growth of subjectivised forms of religion in the non-institutional field
3. Theories of conversion
4. Mega and Emergent Churches
5. Social Construction of New Religious Movements
6. Post-Secularism
7. Religion and Multiple Modernities
8. Religion and Transnationalism
9. Civilizational Analysis and Religion
10. Religion and Web 2.0