Research Methods for the Social Scientific Study of Religion

This course will focus on social science research methods with applications to the study of religion. Although issues of epistemology will be covered initially, the primary goal of the course is to provide broad, practical understanding and competency in social science methods. Topics covered include theoretical and conceptual issues, ethics, research design (including question formation, measurement, operationalization, sampling, etc.), various quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analyses, and publication. The course should help sharpen your existing research skills and introduce you to new techniques. By the end of the semester you should have a new appreciation for social research, understand how social research enhances our understanding of religion, and most importantly, be able to conduct and critique social scientific research on religion.

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