Introduction

This project requires you to visit a religious ceremony by a religious group that you have never seen or participated in before. The purpose is to analyze the social dynamics (both structural and functional) that comprise a religious ceremony, and understand how those dynamics may be connected to a particular sub-culture or ethnic group. You can find a church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious body in the Yellow Pages or by looking on the web. (Note: The Carbondale Verizon Yellow Pages have no listing for Mosque (Islam), Ashram (Hindu), or Buddhist temple or center. Use a search of the internet to find these local religious groups. For a relative comprehensive listing of Carbondale religious bodies, see: The Churches and Fellowships of Jackson County, Illinois) We suggest that you call first to establish the times of the ritual, and perhaps to talk to the priest, preacher, leader, etc. These individuals often have the role of public representative for their religious organization, and in most cases will be happy to talk with you.

The Assignment

During your visit to the religious ceremony, you should attempt to observe as much as possible. Take notes only if it seems appropriate. Then do the following symbolic and sociological analysis of your observations.

Symbolic

• Name the religious group and give its address, time of service, length of service.

• Describe the organization of time, i.e. how the service is organized.

• Describe the spatial design in which the religious ceremony occurs. Include the architecture and interior layout. Can you see a difference between sacred and profane space? Are there different behaviors in different parts of the building?

• Describe the iconography of the religious site (i.e. on the walls, altar, ceiling, etc.). What do these symbols mean?

• How is the leader or minister dressed? In what way, if any, is this dress significant?

• Is the ritual codified or free-form? What is the significance of the ritual forms?

• To what extent does the congregation or audience participate in the actual ritual? Why?

• Is music or singing included in the ritual? If so, describe the general content of the songs.

• What kind of metaphors are used in the liturgy or ritualized speech?

Sociological

• Describe the congregation (age, gender, ethnicity, and class). What is the relationship of children to the service?

• What appears to be the role of the religious organization in its member’s lives?

• In what way does the religious organization address the specific needs of the community?

• Does the congregation comprise an identifiable ethnic group or sub-culture? If so, elaborate on how the religious organization may reflect their social identity.

• Does the religious organization represent norms and values that conform to the larger society or not?

• How do you think the religious organization expresses and enforces those norms and values?
  

The Paper

Write a synthetic essay about the symbolic and sociological aspects of the religious practices studied in this unit, including your field research. Use this analytic description to generalize about the different worldviews embodied in these diverse religious practices. Use the following format:

1. Compare and contrast the symbolic aspects of each religious practice in the readings, other course materials, and your field research.

2. Compare and contrast the sociological aspects of each religious practice in the readings, other course materials, and your field research.

3. Compare and contrast what you perceive to be each cultural group's worldview, drawing on the symbolic and sociological analysis to support your claims.

Turn in your notes with your essay. Bring a copy of the Order of Service or other dated announcements for the service you attended.

© Jane Adams 2004