Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - SA 322 J100

Religion and Society (SA) (4)

Class Number: 3144

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Instructor:

    Bascom Guffin
    mguffin@sfu.ca
    Office: SUR 5187
    Office Hours: TH 16:00-17:00 or by appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the relations between religion and the social environment. Consideration will be given to classical theoretical debates in the anthropology and sociology of religion. Specific topics vary from year to year, and may include: religion in personhood and communities; religion, gender, ethnicity and social class; secularization and secularism; the role of religion in political mobilizations; interreligious relations; religious freedom and citizenship.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on the role of religion in the contemporary world. Among other topics, we will explore the ways religion becomes more mobile in an era of increasing global migration as well as ways that many people look to religion for a sense of both spiritual and spatial rootedness. We will also examine various ways that religious institutions and practitioners incorporate new technologies in order to express and spread their faiths. Throughout the course, we will work to develop a deeper understanding of religions as thoroughly modern phenomena that are important in shaping the world as we know it. We approach this project as partners, and we will be insightful and generous critics to the material and each other.

Grading

  • Participation & attendance 15%
  • Weekly reading responses 15%
  • Paper 1 15%
  • Paper 2 20%
  • Final paper 35%

NOTES:

Grading: Grades in this class will be based on a percentage scale. Reading responses will not be accepted after 5 p.m. the Tuesday before class; late submissions for other assignments will result in a grade reduction of 5 percentage points per day, unless you present documentation for a medical reason or other significant emergency. With the exception of reading responses, all graded assignments in this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy: The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hirshkind, Charles. 2006. The Ethical Soundscape: Cassette Sermons and Islamic Counterpublics. New York: Columbia University Press.

Peña, Elaine A. 2011. Performing Piety: Making Space Sacred with the Virgin of Guadalupe. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press.

  • Both books are available on reserve at Fraser Library at SFU’s Surrey campus.
  • Both are also available electronically through SFU’s online library system.
  • Additional required readings are available through Canvas, the SFU Library, or online as noted.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS