99922 - Sociology of Religion (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students have an advanced understanding of the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of European and non-European religions. They are able to analyze religious phenomena seen through the lens of multiple tools from several disciplines (sociology of religions and statistics) and they can conduct field research by applying techniques of collection, interpretative analysis and processing of empirical data, as well as communicate the results obtained. They focus on the socio-political implications of interaction among groups in complex societies and critically promotes the value of religious differences and religious pluralism. They are able to revise and update their knowledge and develop independent analysis perspectives, taking into account scientific and international debate relating to cultural and religious practices and changes in complex societies.

Course contents

The course aims to analyze the religious dimension in its many forms and explore key debates in the sociology of religion, its manifest and latent social functions, with a focus on contemporary society.

After an introductory lecture, the first part of the course will introduce the central authors of the sociology of religions, reconstruct the main stages of sociological thought on religion, explore the fundamental dimensions of religiosity, and address the issues of the experience and forms of religious belief in the contemporary world. The main stages of sociological thought on religion of the classics (Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber e Georg Simmel) will be explored, using their analyses to interrogate current events. The second part will explore the relationship between “war and religions.” This relationship will be examined by considering the role of the return of religion and of the sacred also in the political sphere, in the media and in new media, and in its declination in wars cultures.

In particular, the following topics will be discussed:
- religion and society in the thought of the classics;
- sociology in the face of the religious phenomenon: the concepts of religion, religiosity, spirituality and the sacred;
- theories of secularization, de-secularization and pluralism: privatization and individualism;
- war and religions;
- religion and media;
- religion and cultures wars.

Readings/Bibliography

R. Cipriani, Nuovo manuale di sociologia della religione, Borla, Roma, 2009 [Introduzione; Parte prima: capitolo primo, secondo e terzo; Parte seconda: capitolo primo, secondo, terzo, quarto e quinto; Parte terza: capitolo secondo; capitolo quarto; Parte quinta: capitolo primo].

E. Pace, "La balcanizzazione delle religioni" in Perché le religioni scendono in guerra?, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2004 [Capitolo III].

F. Anania, “Guerre, conflitti, religione. Il ruolo della televisione” in I mass media tra storia e memoria, Roma, Rai-Eri, 2008 [Capitolo III].

D. Uzlaner, K. Stoeckl, L'Internazionale moralista: i conservatori russi e la conquista dell'Occidente, Luiss University Press, 2024. [Introduzione; Prima parte: capitolo I].

Additional teaching materials will be distributed during class.

Non-attending students will also read:

A. Vitullo, “Religioni e internet: evangelizzazione o reincantamento del mondo?” in A. Melloni (a cura di), Rapporto sull’analfabetismo religioso in Italia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014, pp. 355-367.

D. Uzlaner, K. Stoeckl, L'Internazionale moralista: i conservatori russi e la conquista dell'Occidente, Luiss University Press, 2024. [Prima parte: capitolo III].

Teaching methods

Lessons are held exclusively in presence and are not registered.

 

The teaching will be carried out in the form of a frontal lecture, supported by classroom discussion of the topics covered, including through critical reading of sources and reflection on case studies that enable students to independently apply the tools they learn from time to time.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

Course attendance facilitates understanding of content but does not affect the student’s assessment.

The examination will consist of an oral test, which will take place at the end of the teaching according to the official schedule of examination appointments. The questions asked in the interview will be aimed at assessing: study of the texts; knowledge and ability to understand the topics covered; critical application of knowledge and autonomy of judgment; critical ability to identify relationships between topics; exposition and argumentation in correct discursive form and mastery of specific vocabulary; and aptitude for applying the knowledge and tools acquired to current issues.

The following is a sample of possible questions (should be understood as a MERE general allusion to a much broader spectrum of questions): “read and comment on the following text,” “what is the function of religion according to Weber?” “what is meant by the concept of secularization?” “what are culture wars?”
No books or notes are allowed during the test.

Exam sessions (a total of 7) are scheduled for the following months of the academic year:
- 2 in June and July
- 2 in September and October, one of which is exclusively for students in debt of exam
- 3 between January and March

No books or notes may be used during the test.

The questioning will take place following the order of entry in the Almaesami application lists.

Assessment

Excellence (grades 30 and 30L): achievement of organic vision of the themes proposed during the lessons and critical use demonstrating mastery of content and technical vocabulary.

Average assessment (grades 25 to 29): mnemonic knowledge and not entirely accurate use of technical vocabulary.

Sufficient assessment (grades 18 to 24): minimal knowledge of the topics covered (dates and names), without serious errors.

Insufficient: lack of minimum requirements (i.e. sufficient assessment).

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, audiovisual materials and notes from lectures.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsite.unibo.it%2Fstudenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa%2Fen%2Ffor-students&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd846355575af4377256708dca97d42c4%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638571602678167838%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WtwTa%2FvTtF9dm3La5%2BkR3E0EPpuafvoP%2FheDmBZiMBE%3D&reserved=0].

Office hours

See the website of Marianna Napolitano