PhD course on “Theories of Sociology of Religion” on Lesbos 23–30 September 2010

The course presents classical and current social theories on religion in modern societies. Furthermore, theoretical criticism and theory construction will be discussed, as well as the implementation of theory in research projects on the sociology of religion. The course is based on lectures and panel discussions, as well as group discussions on the theories presented in the participants’ individual projects. Participants must submit a draft essay presenting the theoretical basis for their projects before 1 August.

The course follows the course description for “Theory of Sociology of Religion” (Rel603 in the PhD-programme “Religion, Ethics, Society” at the University of Agder). The Programme is further described here: “Religion, Ethics, Society”.

Students who receive a passing grade for the final essay will obtain 5 ECTS credits for the course.

All PhD students who find the course relevant for their project are welcome to apply. The application must include a short description of the project and PhD programme affiliation. (Please enclose confirmation of enrolment.) While we will make every effort to accommodate all applicants, participation is limited. First priority will be given to PhD-students enrolled at the University of Agder and second priority to applicants with projects within the sociology of religion and similar fields.

Travel information:

The University of Agder’s Metochi study centre in Greece is located on the island of Lesbos, in a monastery annex dating from the 16th century, which forms part of the well-known Limonos Monastery. The University established activities here in 1993, and the centre is in continuous use from April throughout October. The monastery has been extensively refurbished and made suitable for study purposes. Since 1993, a series of courses and seminars have been arranged at the Metochi. Board and lodging for a week costs ca. NOK 3200. Seminars and supervision are free of charge for course participants.

Several airline companies run charter flights from Oslo Airport Gardermoen to Mitilini/Lesbos every Thursday. In 2009 a return ticket cost approximately NOK 4000. UiA is arranging joint transportation, and at the moment there are 7-8 places available for PhD students travelling from or via Oslo. Price: 2700 NOK per person. Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact siren.vegusdal@uia.no to request a reservation. Include your full name as it appears in your passport. We will notify the travel agent who will send you tickets and an invoice (please include your invoice address). Participants who are unable to travel with the rest of the group are asked to make their own travel arrangements independently.

Requirements
Each student must present a paper where they apply the questions raised in the course to their own dissertation. Each student must also give a prepared response to one other student's paper. The latter is a requirement for being allowed to put one’s final essay forth for review.
Before the group sessions, each participant must forward a preparation paper (4-6 pages) addressing the following questions:

• Describe your selection of theory/ies for your own project, and give your reasons for your choice.
• How could the classical theories (i.e. Marx, Weber, Durkheim) illuminate your project?
• Consider at least one alternative theoretical approach listed in the Pensum of the course, and its consequences for your project.
• Assuming that your project refers to more theories, describe how you plan to choose among them, combine them, or reconstruct them

Final date for registration 1 May:
Online registration

Final date for papers 1 August
Send your papers and confirmation letters by e-mail to: siren.vegusdal@uia.no

Academic contact person: ole.riis@uia.no

Administrative contact person: siren.vegusdal@uia.no

Reading list:

A detailed course plan will be published at a later date.

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