Sociology 310
Sociology of Religion
Spring 2003
Dr. Scott SchafferSecond Paper Assignment: Religion and Social Theory
Due Date: Monday April 7/2003 at the start of class. No late papers will be accepted without a compelling reason and sufficient evidence.
General Rules: This paper is to be a minimum of eight (8) full and complete pages; there is no maximum length for the paper, so you should write until your paper is fully developed. Papers that are shorter than this minimum will lose one-third letter grade per page they are short. Your paper must be typewritten, double-spaced, in 10- or 12-point font, with 1.25in left and right margins and 1in top and bottom margins, on 8 1/2" by 11" paper. All the standard provisions and deductions apply for this paper; be sure to see the “How to Write a Schaffer Paper” handout for the particulars.
Particulars: For this paper, you are to choose two social theories of religion and two religions for your discussion. Be sure to follow the outline given in each question and develop your argument by responding to all of the subquestions. As always, make sure that the argument you make is fully developed, and remember to build your argument through a thorough discussion and integration of all the materials. Finally, in addressing the last subquestion in each topic, you should attempt to extend your paper in some meaningful way. This can involve: resolving any tensions you see between the functional/experiential and nature of religion/social action perspectives discussed in the paper; showing how these tensions appear in your own experience and understanding of religion; or combining the theory/theories of religion and what you discover through looking at the religions into some kind of coherent theoretical framework for the analysis of some other kind of social practice. The point here is to prepare you for the term project, and you should write the last section of the paper with that in mind.
The Topics: Choose one for your response.
1. One of the reasons for understanding social theories of religion is to utilize them as analytic frameworks for understanding religions. First, outline the arguments of two theories of religion with regard to their understanding of the function religion plays in social life, and translate these theories into analytic frameworks. Then, using these frameworks, analyze two different religions and develop an argument about the different ways in which these religions satisfy the functions discussed by the theories you choose. Finally, develop an argument from these materials in response to this question: To what extent does one of the theories of religion you discuss better highlight what you think would be the essential experiences of being a “believer” in these religions?
2. As we’ve argued in class, religions provide one of the means by which possible and acceptable forms of social action appear to us. First, outline the arguments of two theories of religion with regard to the nature or content of religion (in general), and translate these theories into analytic frameworks. Then, using these frameworks, analyze two different religions and develop an argument regarding the schema for social action provided by each religion. Finally, develop an argument that clearly draws from these materials and that responds to this question: To what extent does one of the theories of religion you discuss better highlight what you think would be possibilities for social action given to believers by these religions?
The Sample Outline:
I. Introductory paragraph
A. Attention-grabbing remarks
B. Thesis statement: “In this paper, I will argue that…” + 10-word-or-less version of your ultimate claims in the paper
C. Path statement: “In order to make this claim, I will first…, then…”, etc.
II. Theoretical section
A. Discussion of first theory
1. Essential tenets of the theory (explicit and implicit claims, assumptions, etc.)
B. Discussion of second theory (same as the first)2. Translation of theory into an analytic framework: focal points, processes, parallels
C. Summation/transition paragraph: Preliminary evaluation of the theories’ capacity for explaining your topic
III. Religions
A. First religion
1. Essential tenets of the religion – beliefs, concepts of individual, society, functions assumed by authors, etc.
2. Analysis of religion through first framework
3. Analysis of religion through second framework
B. Second religion (same as the first)
IV. Argument (your response to the big underlined question)
A. Essential claims of your argument – your conclusions and/or direct response to the question
B. Development of this argument + materials from theories and religious texts that gave you this idea
C. Summation/integration of your claim, theories, religions
V. Concluding section
A. Summation
B. Extension of your argument to deal with other issues, such as those arising on term project