This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop an understanding of key issues within contemporary Quakerism and how they can be understood sociologically. Understanding the sociology of different Quaker traditions is central to the understanding of international Quakerism. The decentralised structure of international Quaker ecclesiology allows competing theologies to each assume its primacy whereas the reality is of complex layers of identity-construction amongst a global Quaker community.
We hope you will gain a broad understanding of key debates and theories in the study of contemporary religion and spirituality and how they relate to Quakerism. Through this you have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the role of belief and practice within Quakerism worldwide which will allow you to begin to interrogate categories such as class and gender in Quakerism.
We try to adopt a range of teaching methods which may include podcasting, online discussion activities and live online seminars through a video conferencing facility. You will also have opportunities to communicate with your tutor and peers through an online discussion forum.