Sociology
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

General course introduction information

Course Code:

SOS424

Course Name:

Religion, Culture and Society

Course Semester:

Spring

Course Credits:

Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
3	0	3	5

Language of instruction:

Course Requisites:

Does the Course Require Work Experience?:

Type of course:

Department Elective

Course Level:

Bachelor

TR-NQF-HE:6. Master`s Degree

QF-EHEA:First Cycle

EQF-LLL:6. Master`s Degree

Mode of Delivery:

Face to face

Course Coordinator :

Prof. Dr. ESRA KÖTEN

Course Lecturer(s):

Course Assistants:

Course Objective and Content

Course Objectives:	The aim of the course is to examine and discuss the human-social diversity in terms of religious thought and behavior comparatively by taking into consideration the differences of place and time and focusing on the originality of the historical and social context. The views and thoughts of religion will be discussed from a sociological perspective.
Course Content:	The course delves into the comparative and critical analysis of religion as a socio-cultural phenomenon. It aims to discuss the enormous diversity in religious ideas (belief systems) and behaviors (ritual practices) among the human societies and cultures, focusing mainly on the particularities of social/historical context and on differences in time and space.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;

Learning Outcomes

1 - Knowledge
Theoretical - Conceptual
1) Recognize and identify religion as a social phenomenon.
2) Define and discuss key concepts and institutions related to the differences between religion and magic, religion and myth, and religion and science.
2 - Skills
Cognitive - Practical
3 - Competences
Communication and Social Competence
Learning Competence
1) Identify and discuss basic concepts and institutions related with religion such as sources of authority and power.
Field Specific Competence
1) Learn the interrelated nature o various aspects of human societies and cultures.
Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility

Lesson Plan

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	• Introduce the course to the students	Syllabus
1)
2)	• Identify the earliest evidence of religious practice in human bio-cultural evolution. • Describe the scholarly suggestions and arguments about the evolution of religion. • Describe and recognize how and why did religion emerge and become a part of human sociality.	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
3)	• Describe the similarities, differences, intersections, accommodations, tensions and conflicts between religion and magic? • Identify and explain the sorts of social, cultural and emotional meanings do the religious rituals • Describe In what ways does a religious ritual differ from a secular one primitive, modern and global cultures.	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
4)	• Identify orthodoxy’ and ‘heterodoxy’ in religion • Explain religion as a form of ideology • Explain how and on what bases does religion function ideologically	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
5)	• Describe the place, role and effect of religion on political processes Describe secularism and laicism and recognize their differences and similarities. • Explain and Discuss the relations between modernity and religion? • Explain notions of modernization, modernist Islam or Islamic modernism	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
6)	• Describe phenomenon of religious revival in the world today • Explain, religious fanaticism and fundamentalism • Discuss the relationship between science and religion	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
7)	• MIDTERM	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
8)	• Identify the aspects of relations between nation-state and religion • Explain the manifestation of religion in contemporary world • Explain if postmodern discourse creates an opportunity for or an obstacle to	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
9)	• Explain, To what extent, or in which contexts, religion can be considered a language for patriarchy gender as cultural intervention to biological sex. • Identify and analyze, religion as a means for controlling woman sociality and sexuality • Explain the evaluation of human mind and imagination evolve from mother goddess up (or back!) to an omnipotent (masculine) god?	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
10)	• Discuss if it is right to conceive and label folk beliefs as superstitions • Describe the notion of evil eye and its relevance or significance for religion.	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
11)	• Discuss if the myths are the sources, even treasures that feed the religious narratives . • Explain how myth is related to religion. • Discuss the lines of demarcation between myth and religion. • Explain if syncretism be counted as the real nature of any religion	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
12)	• Identify the widespread phenomenon behind millenarian movements • Describe and discuss the millenarian project. • Explain, the end of the world and salvation belief	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
13)	• Identify if religions are cursing homosexual/transgender identities and practices. • Explain How homosexuality can get along with religion. • Explain if there is a room available for these sexualities within the sphere of religions?	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.
14)	• Identify what religions can suggest for the issues and problems such as global warming, climate change, environmental disasters,etc. • Explain the relations and interactions between the green movement and religious ideologies.	Fiona Bowie (2000 [2006]). The Anthropology of Religion – An Introduction. Brian Morris (1987 [2000]). Anthropological Studies of Religion – An Introductory Text. Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:	Clifford Geertz. İki Kültür. İki İslam. Küre Yayınalr. 2013
References:	Dale F. Eickelman (1998). “Islam and the ‘Religions of the Book’ (pp. 249-323)” in The Middle East and Central Asia – An Anthropological Approach.

Course-Program Learning Outcome Relationship

Learning Outcomes	1	4	2	3
Program Outcomes
1) Gains the ability to interpret social developments with the theoretical knowledge that is acquired and a critical perspective.
2) Has knowledge about other disciplines and is open to lifelong learning to be able to success interdisciplinary work.
3) Has the ability to observe social, scientific and ethical values in the stages of data collection, interpretation and announcement while conducting research in the field.
4) Graduates with a good knowledge of at least one foreign language and one foreign language at the entry level.
5) Gains a professional perspective with good observation ability and empathy.
6) Gains the ability to collect local, national and international data and conduct research in the field of social science.
7) Can make explanations to expert or non-expert audiences about their field or social issues, inform them and convey their thoughts, problems and solutions clearly in written and oral form.
8) Adopts various internship programs and applied studies.
9) Gains knowledge to work as a researcher, consultant or expert in the public or private sector.
10) Complies with the ethical rules accepted and encouraged by TÜBİTAK, YÖK and TÜBA and universal science within the context of research, and education.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Gains the ability to interpret social developments with the theoretical knowledge that is acquired and a critical perspective.	5
2)	Has knowledge about other disciplines and is open to lifelong learning to be able to success interdisciplinary work.	5
3)	Has the ability to observe social, scientific and ethical values in the stages of data collection, interpretation and announcement while conducting research in the field.
4)	Graduates with a good knowledge of at least one foreign language and one foreign language at the entry level.
5)	Gains a professional perspective with good observation ability and empathy.
6)	Gains the ability to collect local, national and international data and conduct research in the field of social science.
7)	Can make explanations to expert or non-expert audiences about their field or social issues, inform them and convey their thoughts, problems and solutions clearly in written and oral form.
8)	Adopts various internship programs and applied studies.
9)	Gains knowledge to work as a researcher, consultant or expert in the public or private sector.
10)	Complies with the ethical rules accepted and encouraged by TÜBİTAK, YÖK and TÜBA and universal science within the context of research, and education.

Learning Activity and Teaching Methods

Expression
Lesson

Assessment & Grading Methods and Criteria

Written Exam (Open-ended questions, multiple choice, true-false, matching, fill in the blanks, sequencing)

Assessment & Grading

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Midterms	1	% 40
Final	1	% 60
total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 40
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 60
total		% 100

Workload and ECTS Credit Grading

Activities	Number of Activities	Workload
Course Hours	14	48
Study Hours Out of Class	1	40
Presentations / Seminar	1	50
Midterms	1	1
Final	1	1
Total Workload		140