Faith & Structures: Sociology of Religion

This course analyzes the interaction between religious practices and social dynamics, specifically how faith communities respond to and influence their environments. It covers classical theories from scholars such as Durkheim and Weber while addressing modern perspectives on religious identity, secularization, and pluralism. Special attention is given to the role of religion in social justice movements and the ways in which race and class intersect with theological structures. Participants will learn to evaluate the functional roles of ritual, the organization of religious institutions, and the impact of faith on contemporary political engagement.