Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for SOC 219 Winter 2025


Course Number:
SOC 219
Course Title:
Introduction to Sociology of Religion
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the sociological perspective to the study of religion and spirituality. Focuses on the relationship between religion, culture and social structure through a cross-cultural examination of religious beliefs, practices and organizations. Evaluates religion as a social identity and the impact of different religions on social class, race, gender and sexuality. Explores the role of religion in current events including social conflict. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Use the sociological imagination to apply sociological perspectives to the study of religion and spirituality.
  2. Describe cross-cultural differences in religious organizations.
  3. Explain religion as a form of social identity for individuals and groups.
  4. Describe impacts of religions in terms of social class & power, race, gender, sexuality, and age.
  5. Compare the role of religions in current events, including social conflicts.
  6. Demonstrate respect for diversity, critical thinking, and collaboration by participating as active citizens in their societies and communities.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

General education philosophy statement

Sociology offers a unique perspective that helps us understand how our lives are connected to each other and the larger society. Sociologists use scientific methods to study how societies are organized, why they change, and the different ways that social forces such as religions impact people’s lives. The sociological perspective allows us to understand personal troubles as public issues, through the power of social contexts, with varying structures, cultures, and groups — particularly as found within religions — shaping our opportunities, attitudes, behaviors, and identities.

Aspirational Goals

We hope the careful study of society and religion will empower our students to develop the insights, empathy, and skills needed to both analyze and address social issues related to religions.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

In addition to following guidelines for assessing General Education outcomes, including a required Signature Assignment, instructors will assess student learning of course-level outcomes by using various assessment tools per instructor discretion.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

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 Functions of Religion

  6. The Social Construction of Religion: Myth, Mystery, and Ritual

  7. Religion and the Individual: The Micro Perspective

  8. Religion and Socialization

  9. Religion as a Social Organization

  10. Religion and Inequality: Social Class, Race, Gender, Sexuality and Age

  11. Religion and Social Change: Secularization & Globalization

  12. Religion and Social Conflict

Approved Texts
Texts and Materials: Instructor discretion

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