Cults and New Religious Movements: Power, Belief, Conflict
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI3028 | Sociology and Social Policy | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI3028
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module serves as an introduction to the study of new religious movements (NRMs)—including groups sometimes referred to as ‘cults’—and the theoretical concepts used to understand them. A particular focus will be on the varying degrees of tension that might exist between such groups and their broader social environments, as well as how they are conceived, both in academia and in the media. It will also consider how issues discussed more broadly in sociology—such as deviance, authority, violence, modernity, and group dynamics—bear on our understanding of NRMs.
Each week we will focus on different NRMs, and how they relate to particular themes. Lectures will cover topics such as religious innovation, group membership, and how NRMs are led and organised. Our coverage of NRMs will be motivated by questions such as what members believe, how they were formed, and what their histories have been. Seminars will give students the opportunity to explore each week's topic in more detail.
Content note: This module sometimes deals with distressing issues. If you find yourself affected by any of these, remember that the university counselling service is open to you. You may also consider contacting the Student Support and Wellbeing Service.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and Level 4 UG students and PGT students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: 2,000 words.
- 50% Coursework 2: 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aims of the module are to:1.Introduce students to the main theories, concepts and debates in the study of NRMs;2.Introduce students to the beliefs of some of the main contemporary NRMs, as well as those featuring in recent history;3.Familiarise students with the issues surrounding NRMs in society, as covered in academic literature and in the media.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will have developed:
1. An in-depth understanding of the main theories, concepts and debates used in the study of NRMs;
2. An in-depth understanding of the belief systems and organisational structures of different NRMs, and the contexts from which they arose;
3. An in-depth understanding of the different types of relationships NRMs have with established groups, and with society more broadly.
Intellectual Skills
Students will have developed the capacity:
1. To critically assess the academic literature on NRMs;
2. To understand how broader issues in sociology pertain to the study of NRMs;
3. To critically engage with media sources related to NRMs.
Professional/Practical Skills
Students will have developed:
1. The capacity to develop an argument both verbally and in writing;
2. The ability to engage critically with academic literature;
3. Their research and organisational skills by engaging with resources accessed through the library, and through the production of written work.