Historical Sociology

Module description

This module will cover at least one specified period of religious history, dealing with topics of sociological interest, such as identity, stratification, power structures, rituals, religious spaces, diaspora, and ostracism. Students will engage with relevant primary texts and other historical sources.  

Assessment details

2000-word coursework essay (100%) 

Educational aims & objectives

• to develop an understanding of social-historical research

• to gain an understanding of problems and issues involved in historical sociology

• to be able to assess the value of tools and theories from the social sciences for understanding particular historical developments

• to develop skills in interpreting selected primary texts and other historical sources

• to improve critical, analytical and argumentative skills.

Learning outcomes

Generic Skills

• Engage analytically and critically with primary data
• Understand different methods of interpretation
• Assess and interact with secondary literature relating to the primary sources
• Present confidently ideas and arguments in both oral and written form
• Undertake independent study

Module-Specific Skills 

• Display an appropriate knowledge of the history of the period/s of religious history being studied
• Demonstrate an understanding of problems and issues involved in sociological investigation of the distant past
• Read selected primary texts and other historical sources closely, with social-historical questions in view, relating the texts to their wider historical and social contexts

Teaching pattern

2-hrs lecture weekly over 10 weeks 

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.