Religion & Society

Examine the Power of Belief: Religion is one of the most influential forces in today’s world, yet it’s often misunderstood. What exactly is religion, and how does religious identity shape the way we understand ourselves and the world? Can learning more about religion make us more engaged and effective members of society? In this course, you’ll learn from case studies and explore how religious identity intersects with systems of power like race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and ethnicity.

Why Take This Course? Through thought-provoking material from history, sociology, anthropology, and psychology, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how religion and society are intricately connected. Perfect for students eager to explore the complexities of religious identity and its impact on contemporary issues, this course will prepare you to engage thoughtfully and knowledgeably with the diverse world around you.

Students in GOA courses will need reliable access to a computer with webcam/microphone connections, an email address (preferably school-based), a Web-conferencing app (GOA courses use Zoom), and a Word processing app (GOA courses use Google’s G Suite). When necessary, alternative arrangements may be made. Some courses require additional materials which can be found in the Course Outline.

NCAA-approved course

UC-approved course

View Course Outline