Just as religious participation has grown in recent years, so has the sociology of religion enjoyed a revival of interest and activity. New circumstances of migration, global politics and economics, and the increasing intensity of resistance to modernity, secularization, and cosmopolitanism have presented novel religious situations. The greater Chicago area s universities and research institutions have produced a lot of work and results in the field and a new region-wide sharing of concerns in the field. Graduate student interest has also grown in recent years, and a number of dissertation research projects involve topics concerning religion and society. The workshop will meet weekly for two hours, under the supervision of Professor Bernard Beck , for the entire academic year.
Participation can be for one or more quarters, and course credit is optional.
One of the main purposes of the workshop is to read and discuss relevant literature in the sociology of religion, ranging from contemporary debates to older works of continuing importance. Potential topics include the place of rational choice in the sociology of religion, religion and social movements, relationships between religion and race, class, gender, and sexuality, as well as scholarly work on religion from disciplines other than sociology. The selection of readings will be designed flexibly to reflect the interests of the workshop participants. New members are welcome to join.