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Explain the sociological study of religion
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Define religion as a sociological phenomenon
Describe the development of religion as a social institution
Explain religion through the three traditional sociological perspectives
Distinguish sociological approaches to religion compared to theological and individualized approaches
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Apply sociological theories to religious beliefs, practices, and institutions
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Distinguish functionalist, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism perspectives within sociology of religion
Apply perspectives to religious practices and institutions
Compare explanations of religious phenomenon between perspectives
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of differing sociological perspectives
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Explore relationships between religion, culture, and social identity
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Explain how religion contributes to individual, group, and cultural identities
Analyze reciprocal influence between religion and culture
Examine intersections between religion and demographic variables (such as race, class, and gender)
Analyze how religion contributes toward group belonging and boundary work
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Investigate religion as a source of social cohesion and conflict
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Explain how religious beliefs and practices contribute to social solidarity
Identify how religion may contribute to social boundaries and conflict
Analyze historical and contemporary examples of conflict within and between religious groups.
Evaluate how religion can contribute to both social solidarity and social conflict
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Analyze relationships between religion, power, and social inequality
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Identify connections between religion and social inequality
Explore structural differences in the relationship between religion and social inequality
Evaluate how systems of power are related to religious institutions and social inequality
Analyze relationships between inequality, religion, and demographic variables (such as race, class, and gender)
Evaluate the role of religion in maintaining or challenging social inequality
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Explore patterns of religious change in contemporary society
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Explain major sociological perspectives on religious change and secularization
Examine the role of globalization and immigration has on religious beliefs and practices
Explore the impact of technology and social media on religious beliefs and practices
Describe historical forces that contribute to religious changes
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Conduct introductory research on religion
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Develop focused sociological questions about religion
Identify credible academic resources relevant to sociology of religion
Distinguish between primary and secondary resources and data
Collect data related to sociological research on religion
Apply sociological concepts to religious sources and data
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Evaluate information and evidence about religion
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Distinguish evidence-based claims from opinions and unsupported assertions
Evaluate forms of bias within sources
Recognize fallacies and stereotypes about religious groups
Compare and contrast the validity and reliability of information from different sources
Assess efficacy of sources and data within the sociology of religion
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Communicate sociological analyses of religion effectively
Assessment Strategies
Oral, visual, and/or written presentation
Criteria
Construct evidence-based claims about religion and society
Communicate sociological ideas using relevant terminology and concepts from the discipline
Compare and contrast religious groups and practices through objective and respectable lens
Present research through written and/or visual formats
Apply sociological concepts and perspectives during discussions