Sociology Interpretation Report

This report will represent the culmination of your study of the Sociology of Religion, and it will require you to integrate the ideas, concepts, and theories that you have learned this term.  You are required to incorporate at least two Learning Resources from our course and two additional scholarly (i.e., UMGC Library) sources into your paper. (You may incorporate other sources on top of these four sources.) This final paper is a capstone project in lieu of a final exam.  Therefore, your paper should focus on the various concepts and theories in some depth, in a way that clearly demonstrates your understanding of the course material.

Whichever option you choose, select a particular example or issue as the focal point for your paper that involves the religion that you examined in your Observation Report. (It does not need to be the particular organization you observed; rather the religion of which that organization is a part).  For example, if you choose Option 1, you could focus on local churches’ efforts to provide social services in the community.  Or if you choose Option 2, you could focus on a religious vs. secular debate that creates conflict in society, such as views about gay marriage or abortion held by a particular religion. Or, you could choose a conflict within a religion; for example, whether to actively engage in protests against racism.  These are just examples.  You are welcome to choose a topic that is most interesting to you.

Option #1:  How can religion contribute to social stability?  In your view, based on the course readings and other sources, under what conditions is a religion most likely to contribute to social stability? (Notice that the questions are asking about social stability, and not individual stability.) Use a specific example from a particular religion to illustrate your points. In your opinion, how might religion contribute to the smooth functioning of society in the future?  This option will focus on the functionalist perspective. Be sure to explain the theory as part of your essay.

Option #2:  How might religion contribute to social conflict?  In your view, based on the course readings and other sources, under what conditions is religion most likely to contribute to social conflict in the broader society? (Notice that the questions are asking about social conflict, and not individual conflict.) Use a specific example from a particular religion to illustrate your points. In your opinion, are religious differences likely to lead to more conflict in the future?  If not, why not?  Or if so, how could this conflict be reduced?

POST

Below is formatted reference list from the classWeek 2: APA Formatted Learning Resource List (alphabetical order)CrashCourse. (2018). Religion: Crash course Sociology #39. Retrieved from Wienclaw, R. A. (2019a). World religions. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89185824&site=eds-live&scope=siteWienclaw, R. A. (2019b). Sociological theories of religion: Structural functionalism. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89185748&site=eds-live&scope=site

Week 4: APA Formatted Learning Resource List (alphabetical order)Fahmy, D. (2020, July 16). 8 facts about religion and government in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/07/16/8-facts-about-religion-and-government-in-the-united-states/Gecewicz, C. (2020, Jan. 13). Many churchgoers in U.S. don’t know the political leanings of their clergy. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/01/13/many-churchgoers-in-u-s-dont-know-the-political-leanings-of-their-clergy/Pew Research Center. (2019a, Jan. 3). Faith on the hill: The religious composition of the 116th Congress. Retrieved from http://www.pewforum.org/2019/01/03/faith-on-the-hill-116/Pew Research Center. (2019b, Nov. 15). Americans have positive views about religion’s role in society, but want it out of politics. Retrieved from https://www.pewforum.org/2019/11/15/americans-have-positive-views-about-religions-role-in-society-but-want-it-out-of-politics/Religion for Breakfast. (2017, June 20). Can your religion predict your politics? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgiXawH8HbURutgers University. (2009). Dr. Andrew Murphy: Religion in American politics. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC_YX16co28

Week 5: APA Formatted Learning Resource List (alphabetical order)Burch-Brown, J., & Baker, W. (2016). Religion and reducing prejudice. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, 19(6), 784-807. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1368430216629566Masci, D. (2019a, May 17). Many Americans see religious discrimination in the U.S. — especially against Muslims. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/05/17/many-americans-see-religious-discrimination-in-u-s-especially-against-muslims/Masci, D. (2019b, Oct. 31). In U.S., familiarity with religious groups is associated with warmer feelings toward them. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/10/31/in-u-s-familiarity-with-religious-groups-is-associated-with-warmer-feelings-toward-them/QuakerSpeak (2015, June 11). How modern Quakers challenge traditional gender roles. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rau6mpb09g0Religion & Ethics Newsweekly. (2016, May 2). Christians countering anti-Muslim rhetoric. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgYw6BbadPM

Week 6: APA Formatted Learning Resource List (alphabetical order)Caffrey, C. (2019). New religious movement (NRM). Salem Press Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=141224268&site=eds-live&scope=siteHealy, J. P. (2011). Involvement in a new religious movement: From discovery to disenchantment. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 13(1), 2-21. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.umgc.edu/login?url=https://search.e…Miller, T. (2003). Religious movements in the United States: An informal introduction. Retrieved from http://web.archive.org/web/20060827231029/http://r…Religion for Breakfast. (2017, Aug. 17). Is there any difference between a cult and a religion? Retrieved from Religion for Breakfast. (2019, Dec. 19). Is Jediism a religion? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0GsLNj648Q