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Possible Themes for Seminar Papers

11:45 Tuesday - Thursday
Michael R. Leming, Professor
Spring 1998

  1. Write a cross-cultural analysis of a primitive (non-western small localized unified society) magical and/or religion system. How does such a system function with regard to societal maintenance?
  2. Analyze the magical rituals of a particular cultural group. What is the role of the practitioner, shaman, or curer? What is the function of such practices in unifying the group?
  3. In addressing himself to the question, "What is the object of the religious experience," Durkheim claims that the worship of God is the disguised worship of society.
  4. Compare and contrast a structural functional approach to religion with the symbolic interactionist perspective.
  5. From a functionalist perspective, why is there a societal need for religious beliefs and practices? What are the social functions of religion?
  6. Using Weber's conception of charisma, analyze the activities and influence of a charismatic individual or movement.
  7. Write an essay on the concept of the "sacred" or the "holy" from a phenomenological perspective utilizing the ideas of such individuals as Durkheim, Otto, Sapir, Tillich, Muller, Fustel, and others.
  8. Write an essay on the nature of religious experience. You may wish to refer to the writings and ideas of such persons as Wach and James.
  9. How is a religious "world view" related to self conceptions? How are religious meanings incorporated into self meanings?
  10. Write an essay on the implications of individualism vs. group identification in the American religious tradition.
  11. Write a social-psychological analysis of religious conversion.
  12. In addressing himself to the question, "What is the object of the religious experience," Durkheim claims that the worship of God is the disguised worship of society. Formulate a reaction to such a claim.
  13. In what ways are religious systems dysfunctional for society and rather than promoting societal maintenance, actually contributes to the disintegration of the social system?
  14. Analyze the fundamental dilemmas discussed by O'Dea in chapter 6 and suggest some possible responses by religious institutions in contemporary American society which would provide for the adaptive and expressive needs of individuals who experience these dilemmas.
  15. How does religion function relative to the life-cycle process of individual maturation? How does it aid persons to pass from one stage of life to another?
  16. How does religion function relative to death-related behavior and meanings?
  17. What is the relationship between religion and war?
  18. How does religion function in times of adversity and suffering?
  19. What is civil religion and how does it function relative to societal maintenance?

    20. Go back to Sociology 265 - Religion, Culture and Society

    If you have any questions or comments please email:

    leming@stolaf.edu