Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Schedule - Spring Semester 2027
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
SOCI 559 001 (CRN: 26485)
RELIGION IN PUBLIC LIFE
Long Title: RELIGION, POLITICS, POWER AND PUBLIC LIFE: A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Department: Sociology
Instructor: Ecklund, Elaine Howard
Meeting: 2:00PM - 4:50PM M (11-JAN-2027 - 23-APR-2027)
Part of Term: Full Term
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Seminar
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Method of Instruction: Face to Face
Credit Hours: 3
Course Syllabus:
Course Materials: Rice Campus Store
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Section Max Enrollment: 5
Section Enrolled: 0
Total Cross-list Max Enrollment: 19
Total Cross-list Enrolled: 0
Waitlisted: 0 (Max 198)
Current members of the waitlist have priority for available seats.
Enrollment data as of: 2-NOV-2026 4:46AM
Final Exam: No Final Exam
Description: Contrary to predictions that modernity would erase religion, faith remains a persistent, dynamic force in U.S. and global public life. Using sociological tools, this course examines how power and politics shape religion and how religion itself operates as power in different societal institutions like science, workplaces, and the law. We will analyze how changing belief systems and growing diversity fuel both social possibilities and political polarization surrounding public policy. Engaging cutting-edge scholarship, students will study contemporary dynamics and learn to conduct original research. Designed for both undergraduate and graduate students, this course bridges core concepts with advanced empirical inquiry. Cross-list: SOCI 459. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for SOCI 559 if student has credit for SOCI 459.