...Area in the syllabus | Essay Title | Essay Title In your own words | Theories o religion: | Religious organisationsTypologies | Religious organisationsWhy people join. | Religious organisationsdevelopment | NAMs/NRMs | Religion in global context:Secularisation | Religion in a global contextFundamentalism- | Religion and social Change | Religion as source of conflict or consensus | Religiosity: Class | Religiosity: Age | Religiosity: Gender | Religiosity: Ethnicity | Belief Systems: Religion | Belief Systems: Science: | Belief Systems: ideology | Jun12 | Religion is still the most significant ideological influence in the world today. ’To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view? (33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Critically examine sociological views of sects in society today. (33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess the view that women are no longer oppressed by religion. (18 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Jan 12 | The growth of New Age and similar movements is evidence of a spiritual revolution in society today.’ To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view? (33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today.(33 marks) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Using...
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... a) Identify and briefly explain some of the ways in which religion could be said to ‘exert social control over the members of society’ (June2006) b) Identify and briefly explain some of the ways in which functionalists see religion meeting the needs of society and / or individuals. (June 2007) New syllabus: 12 mark questions a)Using material from item a and elsewhere, briefly examine the extent to which religion can still be said to be functional for individuals and society (June 2002) b) Briefly examine the evidence and or arguments in favour of the view that religion can act as a force for change in society (June 2006) c) Briefly examine post-modernist views on the nature and role of religion (June 2007) NEW SYLLABUS: 40 mark essay questions • Assess the role and functions of religious institutions and movements in contemporary society. (40) Sample A2 paper (Issued May 2000) • Evaluate the view that religion acts as a conservative force in modern society (40) Jun 2001 “The main function of religion is to provide people with a code of behaviour which regulates personal and social life.” Assess the extent to which sociological arguments and evidence support this view of religion in modern society (40) January 2002 Assess and evaluate the relationship between religion and social change. (40) Jan 2003 Assess the view that in most societies, religion functions more to cause conflict than to bring about harmony...
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...that we use to describe ourselves and those around us are the product of social rather than biological factors. Relative to race, it is unlikely that anyone is “racially pure.” But we have to recognize the social factors, because these are the bases for social interaction in our daily lives. These social factors make them culturally significant in our daily interactions. Question: Just because we are culturally different, does that make difference itself into a negative? No, it is not differences that are necessarily negative. In fact, cultural differences make us more interesting to one another. So differences in and of themselves, do not make us unequal. **It is the meanings and values applied to these differences that make them harmful. So when we apply meanings and values to these differences, we are essentially creating structures of social stratification – a system by which society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy, and how social stratification results in systems of inequality. In this hierarchy, those at the top of it, are deemed to have positive attributes, and are the keepers of the culture and society. Therefore, they are viewed as being more moral, and intelligent, and have the rights to more rewards and opportunities that society can provide, relative to others beneath them. [Use the South African system of apartheid for an example.) **So, we will examine how these various categories of difference are constructed and how they impact...
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...Critically examine the relationship between religion and social change (33 marks) In relation to social change, some theories have argued that religion is a conservative force and acts to prevent change and keep society stable. This is the view held by earlier theories that stressed the role of institutions in shaping human behaviour and maintaining the stability of society, such as Functionalism and Marxism. Religion is also seen as conservative because it is traditional; defending traditional customs and moral views, for example. Functionalists view religion as a conservative force, preventing social change. Durkheim believed that religion performs an important function for society, binding people together like ‘social cement’ preventing anomie. Religion provides a set of moral values that form the collective conscience, ensuring social stability. This is where religion unifies people which leads to conformity which then makes behaviour predictable. Religion also answers eternal questions such as ‘why the good die young’ and ‘why do people suffer’ in Christian for example, helping to prevent social change. Durkheim studied totemism among Australian Aboriginal tribes. Totems are a symbol of a set of beliefs. This can be anything from an object to an animal and is treated with the highest respect by those that follow the set of beliefs or religion. For example, it is similar to the crucifix for Christians which explains why they uphold traditional beliefs in society, preventing...
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...Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects of study is sociology’s purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures. Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and the world. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and consequences of such things as romantic love, racial and gender identity, family conflict, deviant behavior, aging, and religious faith. At the societal level, sociology examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban community, and social movements. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth and migration, war and peace, and economic development. Sociologists emphasize the careful gathering and analysis of evidence about social life to develop and enrich our understanding of key social processes. The research methods sociologists use are varied. Sociologists observe the everyday life of groups, conduct large-scale...
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...and patterns of social constructs. These meanings can only to be found by interpreting the ritual participants unconscious understanding of the symbols used and the overall context. Levi-Strauss is the founding father of structuralism, as it is applied to anthropology. Many have refined his thesis such as E.E.Evans-Pritchard and Arnold van Gennep. This essay outlines the main features of the theoretical position, the key proponents of the theory as well it critically examines structuralism as a theory used for ritual interpretation. Main features of Structuralism Bronislaw Malinowski among other ritual theorists “began to ask: if such symbols, beliefs, and patterns of ritual activity do not serve simply to maintain the patterns of social relationships, then what do they mean to the people who use them? (Bell, 1997, pg.34). Spawning from functionalism, structuralism is the theory that analyses the function of rituals and how they promote social order and community. Furthermore, structuralism aims to analyse the meaning of ritual activity such as the ideologies and core group values that are conveyed through symbols and the underlying patterns (Bell, 1997). “Structuralism in its widest sense is all about pattern: how things at first glance appear to be unrelated actually form part of a system of interrelating parts” (Barnard, 2000, pg. 127). Structuralism is a theoretical framework grounded in linguistic analysis. It goes beyond analyzing the functions of social life and looks...
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...requirements is designed to help students acquire the knowledge, perspective, skill and professional acumen that is necessary to become thoughtful and responsible citizens and leaders in an increasingly complex world. The General Education curriculum is focused on fostering urban leadership by developing the cross-curricular emphases of writing effectively, thinking critically, managing information successfully, valuing diversity, practicing social justice, presenting orally and visually and learning to learn. Curricular Emphases: To accomplish these goals the general education curriculum, through its cross-disciplinary approach, provides exposure to a wide variety of disciplines while focusing on developing the essential, broad based, intellectual abilities of problem solving, decision making and leadership with a commitment to lifelong learning. The general education program emphasizes the development of oral and written communication skills; knowledge of the arts, sciences and technology; the effective use of information and critical thinking skills; the value of diversity; the promotion of social justice; and the interrelationships among academic fields. Writing Effectively Writing is essential. Effective writing encourages logical thinking and enables you to influence your audience. At Marygrove‚ all general education courses provide...
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...Assignment in Society and Culture 1. What is Social Science? Why do we have to study Social Science? * Social Science is the study of the characteristics, changes, causes and consequences of human behavior in groups. It provides an understanding of the structure and dynamics of social systems from small interactions to entire societies and world systems. * We study it to be able to evaluate the effects of gender, ethnic background, social class, religion, and community on an individual or group. Another is that the sociological perspective is crucial for success in today’s multicultural and multinational work environments. Thus, a background in social science is valuable preparation for careers in almost any modern organizational setting. 2. What are the disciplines of Social Science? * Social science is actually the commonly used as an umbrella term to refer to the academic disciplines concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. These disciplines include anthropology, economics, political science, psychology and sociology and many more. 3. What is Anthropology? Why do we study Anthropology? * Anthropology is the study of humans, past and present. Anthropologists look at cross-cultural differences in social institutions, cultural beliefs, and communication styles. They often seek to promote understanding between groups by "translating" each culture to the other, for instance by spelling out common, taken-for-granted...
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...Contrast and Continuities in Society OUSCC1504 [pic][pic] [pic] Combined Studies, Sociology, Level 4 This programme is currently validated by The Open University [pic] [pic] 2014-15 [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] |Assessment type |Hand in date |Percentage of Marks |Assessment description | |Formative assessment |27 March 2015 |0% |Assignment Plan | |Summative assessment |11 May 2015 |10% |Group Presentation | |Summative assessment |25 May 2015 |30% |Individual Supporting Summary | | | | |750 words | |Summative assessment |12 June 2015 |60% |Essay 1,500 | [pic] | | |What’s the module all about? | |Module and Programme Learning Outcomes | |Assessments | |Handing in your work ...
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...Social Compass http://scp.sagepub.com/ Theories of Conversion: Understanding and Interpreting Religious Change Lewis R. RAMBO Social Compass 1999 46: 259 DOI: 10.1177/003776899046003003 The online version of this article can be found at: http://scp.sagepub.com/content/46/3/259 Published by: http://www.sagepublications.com On behalf of: Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education Additional services and information for Social Compass can be found at: Email Alerts: http://scp.sagepub.com/cgi/alerts Subscriptions: http://scp.sagepub.com/subscriptions Reprints: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsReprints.nav Permissions: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav Citations: http://scp.sagepub.com/content/46/3/259.refs.html >> Version of Record - Sep 1, 1999 What is This? Downloaded from scp.sagepub.com at University of Zambia on March 22, 2014 Social Compass 46(3), 1999, 259–271 Lewis R. RAMBO Theories of Conversion: Understanding and Interpreting Religious Change The author explores the nature of theory and provides an overview of resources for the study of conversion to Islam. Theory is valuable in so far as it illuminates different aspects of a phenomenon. Various theoretical approaches include some dimensions and exclude others. Scholars of conversion must be aware of theoretical issues and systematically utilize theoretical options with sophistication. Such an approach will expand understanding of conversion and also enhance comparative...
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...author will describe the relationships between legal and ethical issues. In addition, the author will identify personal values and professional ethics and examine ethical theories and principles. Examples of applications of legal and ethical issues to current practice will also be provided. Relationships Between Legal and Ethical Issues “Ethics is the branch of philosophy concerned with evaluating human action” (Guido, 2010, p. 3). It is based on the principles of right and wrong and provides structure to behaviors and actions. Ethics are closely intertwined with morals and values. Morals are “personal principles that are acquired from life experiences, family and peer relationships, religion, culture, and the law” (Guido, 2010, p. 3). Values are “personal beliefs about the truths and worth of thoughts, objects, or behavior” (Guido, 2010, p. 3). Therefore, ethics are subject to an individual’s personal interpretation. In contrast, laws are rules and regulations established by some authority and enforced by judicial decision (Dictionary.com, 2011). The legal system governs actions and behaviors without regard to personal values, beliefs, and views. Laws are constantly evolving to promote the greater good of society, rather than the individual within society as with ethics. In the health care setting situations often present itself in which both ethics and the law overlap and it becomes difficult for the health care professional to distinguish between the two. Nurses and health...
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...discussion into 2 parts: (1) Why is it important for all persons in general and (2) Why is it specifically important for Christians to study philosophy? We begin, in true philosophic fashion, by examining the question itself: what do mean by philosophy being important and we introduce the idea of the philosophic mindset. We then examine 5 reasons why it is important for all persons to adopt the philosophic mindset. We will end by providing an overview of the different branches of philosophy. Tasks Read and take notes from chapter 2 of Philosophy: Critically Thinking about Foundational Beliefs, “Why is Philosophy Important?” As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions: * What is meant by the philosophical mindset? A philosophical mindset is an attitude or approach to life that involves regularly examining beliefs to ascertain what they mean, if they are true and what value they have. A philosophical mindset approaches new information critically. It involves questioning, reflecting and considering the meaning, value and truthfulness of what one sees, reads or hears. (Mark W. Foreman. Prelude to Philosophy: Thinking Critically About Foundational Beliefs. 2012) * How does the job/vocation analogy apply to adopting the philosophical mindset? A job is a task performed in order to receive compensation. It is not something individuals are tied to in any personal way and it usually does not affect persons in any deep manner. In contrast a vocation...
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...the meaning. Hall’s encoding/decoding theory focuses on the different ways audiences generate (rather than discover) meaning. Hall’s theory re-addressed the themes of the Uses and Gratifications theory : examining audience power over the media, rather then the media’s effects on the audience (Katz: 1959). Such theoretical study later concluded that audiences use the media to fulfil their own needs and gratifications (Katz, E., Blumler, J. G., & Gurevitch, M.: 1974). Hall's model focuses on groups rather then the individual, which is more useful when looking at mass communications dominance due to broad issues such as social class and cultural heritage. Both the political and theoretical foundations of the model have implications on its relevance today as its usefulness is paramount to a mass media dominated society and the driving relationship between audience and media. Hall suggests four decoded meanings from his model: the...
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...York University College of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Department of Humanities AP/HUMA 1860 6.00 The Nature of Religion: An Introduction Term Y Section A Course Director: Dr. Jason C. Robinson Y: Fall/Winter 2014-2015 Office: 126 Founders CollegeOffice Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment | Email: jasonro@yorku.ca Class Time: Tuesday 4:30-6:30 | Classroom: Curtis Lecture Halls (CLH) C | Tutorial Leaders and Times | Type | Day | | Start Time | Duration | | | Location | Instructor | | LECT 01 | T | | 4:30pm | 120 | | | CLH C | Jason Robinson | jasonro@yorku.ca | TUTR 01 | T | | 7:00pm | 60 | | | ACE 012 | Jason Robinson | jasonro@yorku.ca | TUTR 02 | T | | 7:00pm | 60 | | | SC 220 | Cristiana Conti | menrua19@yorku.ca | TUTR 03 | T | | 7:00pm | 60 | | | SC 223 | Irfaan Jaffer | irfaanjaffer@gmail.com | TUTR 04 | T | 8 | :00pm | 60 | | | ACE 012 | Cristiana Conti | menrua19@yorku.ca | TUTR 05 | T | | 8:00pm | 60 | | | BC 325 | Irfaan Jaffer | irfaanjaffer@gmail.com | TUTR 06 | T | | 8:00pm | 60 | | | MC 215 | Janet Melo-Thaiss | janetmt@yorku.ca | | | Note: This is an approved LA&PS General Education course Course credit exclusions: AP/HUMA 1865 6.00, AP/HUMA 2800 9.00 (prior to Fall 2014), AP/SOSC 2600 9.00 (prior to Fall 2014). PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AK/HUMA 1860 6.00, AS/HUMA 2800 9.00, AS/SOSC 2600 9.00. Camtasia Recording This...
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...In Search of Her: A Postcolonial/ Feminist Enquiry into the Identity of Indian Woman Kochurani Abraham “The home was the principal site for expressing the spiritual quality of the nation’s culture and women must take the main responsibility of protecting and nurturing this quality. No matter what the changes in the external conditions of life for women, they must not lose their essentially spiritual (ie feminine) virtues; they must not, in other words, become essentially westernized.” - Partha Chatterjee, “The Nationalist Resolution of the Women’s Question”* “What was gradually and carefully constituted, brick by brick, in the interaction between colonialism and nationalism is now so deeply embedded in the consciousness of the middle classes that ideas about the past have assumed the status of revealed truths…It has led to a narrow and limiting circle in which the image of Indian womanhood has become, both a shackle and a rhetorical device that nevertheless functions as a historical truth.” - Uma Chakravarti “Whatever happened to the Vedic Dasi?: Orientalism, Nationalism and a Script for the Past.”* Who/where is the Indian woman? Since this conference focuses on the theme “Identity, Difference and...
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