JCOM 317. Media and Religion. 4 Credits.
Modernist views predict declining religious influence due to factors like rational-legal authority, science, technology, and modern institutions. This course challenges that "secularization theory" by examining how media tech promotes religion in today's world. To understand religion's role in politics and culture, we'll explore ideas from Durkheim and Weber, pioneers in religious studies. Discussions on religion, modernization, and secularization will follow, including an analysis of Bercovitch's "The Puritan Origins of the American Self" for insights into Christian roots in American culture.
Requisites: Prereq: JCOM 201 or J 201.