Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Apply sociological perspectives to the study of religion and spirituality.
2. Describe cross-cultural differences in religious organizations.
3. Discuss religion as a form of social identity for individuals and groups.
4. Identify the impact of religion in terms of social class, race, gender, and sexuality.
5. Evaluate the role of religion in current events, including social conflict.

Student activities might include:
•    Individual reading assignment
•    Small and large group or online discussions
•    Think-Pair-Share
•    Collaborative groups
•    Online peer evaluation
Instructor activities might include: 
•    Lecture or mini lecture
•    Panel discussion
•    Videos
•    Review difficult concepts
•    Coaching
•    Case studies
•    Presentation of exemplar works

The SAC expects instructors to assess student learning throughout the term by using various formative assessment tools, like worksheets, quizzes, and exams. In addition, the SAC encourages instructors to integrate the following kinds of tasks into the course to assess student achievement of course outcomes in a more comprehensive and holistic manner:

1. Short analytical or application papers on specific concepts, themes, and issues
2. Term or research papers, using a variety of research strategies
3. Oral presentations
4. Group research, analysis, and presentation projects
5. Class participation in full-class discussions and small groups or teams
6. Response papers or journals reflecting on life experiences, events, and social phenomena
7. Community-based learning tasks, involving reflection and application of sociological perspective
8. Student-instructor conferences
9. Student portfolios
10. Video projects
11. Oral histories and interviews

Examples of Subject Matter, Concepts, Themes, Issues: 

1. Sociological Approach and Perspectives
2. Sociological Concepts of Religion and Spirituality
3. Sociological Methods for Studying Religion
4. Religion and Society: The Macro Perspective
5. The Social Construction of Religion: Myth, Mystery, and Ritual
6. Religion and the Individual: The Micro Perspective
7. Religion and Socialization
8. Religion as a Social Organization
9. Religion and Inequality: Social Class, Race, Gender and Sexuality
10. Religion and Social Change: Secularization & Globalization
11. Religion and Social Conflict

Competencies and Skills

1. Apply sociological approach and perspectives to religion
2. Write and communicate orally in a clear, organized, and effective manner
3. Think critically about current social issues and analyze complex social realities
4. Use varied and effective research techniques and strategies
5. Develop and refine group process skills, which may include listening, brainstorming, communicating, negotiating, or cooperating on shared tasks
6. Develop ability to listen to and empathize with diverse perspectives and experiences
7. Develop and practice active citizenship skills in accordance with principles of democratic and inclusive process, social justice, and ecological sustainability
8. Integrate course work with current events and trends through examination of popular and news media

Approved Texts
Texts and Materials: Instructor discretion

Instructional Delivery Mode: This course is approved for classroom, hybrid, and distance modalities.