Time Schedule:
Anthony J Gill
POL S 544
Seattle Campus
Selected problems in the comparative analysis of political institutions, organizations, and systems.
Class description
Topic: Religion, Economics & Politics in Comparative Perspective Description: Until recently, the field of political science largely has ignored the study of religion, relegating it to the departments of sociology and anthropology. Among social scientists in the United States and Western Europe, the dominant line of thinking about religion was shaped by "secularization theory." Dramatic events in the past several decades have challenged this thesis - e.g., the Iranian Revolution, religiously-based terrorism, the rise of liberation theology and the US Christian Right.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This course takes a panoramic view of religion and politics, using economic theory as a starting point for our analysis. We will focus on several historical periods, world regions and religious traditions.
Recommended preparation
Text: Various articles. Stark & Finke, Acts of Faith; Stark, For the Glory of God; Gill, Rendering Unto Caesar; others.
Class assignments and grading
Grades: 3 Essays 65 % Class participation 35 % Total: 100 %
